CHICAGO: On a crisp Thursday morning, the Loyola campus felt a little warmer, bathed in not just sunlight, but in the vibrant wave of love landing squarely at the feet of its most enduring figure, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, now 105 years old.
It wasn’t just birthday balloons. Whether they came through social media, locker rooms, or video messages, it didn’t matter. They all carried the same sentiment: gratitude for a woman who has become much more than a chaplain; she is the heart of the Ramblers.
105 and Still Cheering
At 105, a few things slow Sister Jean. She’s still praying before games, greeting players, uplifting students, and captivating a nation that once met her at the 2018 Final Four.
Her life, traced across a century, is still rooted in campus hallways and courts where she’s found second wind among prayer, potential, and purpose. Now, fans and players alike are returning that light.
A Tradition of Love That Defies Time
Fork in hand or fist in the air, affection for Sister Jean didn’t start today. In 2018, during Loyola’s Cinderella March Madness run, she became a viral sensation known for personalized bobbleheads, whispered prayers, and “Air Sister Jean” shoes stitched in her honor.
Even after she turned 105, her presence continues to be a rallying force not for wins, but for the humanity she lends the game every time she appears courtside.
Forgotten Fist Bumps and Grace in Return
This week also called to mind a moment when Loyola players, buzzing after a win, accidentally bypassed her for a fist bump. In the clip that went viral, a crowd ached at her gentle hand, left hanging.
But true to form, Sister Jean responded not with reproach, but with love. Soon after, the team made a lighthearted but heartfelt video of her smiling, armed with a whistle, as players ran sprints and returned each with a fist bump and hug. Turned out, someone else missed her, and faith, even in sports, can circle back.
What We Cherish About Sister Jean
Scan condolences on her Wikipedia page or recall speeches on national television, and you’ll glimpse what makes Sister Jean extraordinary. A nun whose voice began amid San Francisco’s great depression, who witnessed moon landings and Final Fours who dedicated her life to teaching, to faith, and, unexpectedly, to cheering on her team.
But beyond decades of service and public resonance lies something more human her openness, twinkling eyes, and insistence on hospitality as a way of life.
A 105-Year Lesson Wrapped In Simplicity
When asked about her longevity, Sister Jean offers a secret that’s as simple as the breath that fills a prayer:
- Love others and God.
- Keep your mind and body well.
- Stay connected to the young.
Not a flashy recipe but one rooted in grace, dedication, and a relentless belief in human connection.
