Sister Jean celebrates 105th birthday with Loyola community and WTC Block Party

Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, the beloved chaplain of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, celebrated her 105th birthday on Wednesday. 

Born on 21 August 1919 in San Francisco, California, Sister Jean has spent over 60 years in the Chicago area, becoming a cherished figure within the Loyola community. 

Her popularity soared during the 2018 NCAA tournament when the Loyola Ramblers made an unexpected run to the Sweet 16, with Sister Jean providing spiritual support and quickly becoming a fan favourite.

To mark this milestone birthday, the Loyola community will host the WTC Block Party and LUMA Exhibit on 29 August at the Water Tower campus. 

Sister Jean, who remains active and engaged, shared her simple goal for the future: “I still want to remain a happy person,” she told the Chicago Sun-Times.