The campus of Loyola University Chicago in Rogers Park is welcoming a new addition that captures the heart of its beloved Sister Jean. As the university community prepares for another academic year, the absence of Sister Jean, who passed away in October at the age of 106, is deeply felt. However, her legacy lives on through a new bronze statue that now graces the Norville Center for Intercollegiate Athletics.
The statue, depicting Sister Jean seated on a bench with a basketball, was unveiled on August 21, 2026, coinciding with what would have been her 107th birthday. This tribute was a long-time coming, as plans for the statue were initiated before her passing. University President Mark Reed shared that he had first discussed the idea with Sister Jean on her 105th birthday, making the unveiling a poignant moment for the entire community.
The Making of a Timeless Tribute
The bronze statue, crafted by artist Littleton Alston, is slightly larger than life-size and designed to be approachable. “She’s seated on a low bench, so the sculpture is totally approachable to anyone who wants to sit next to her and take a picture with her and, maybe, even get a little advice,” Alston explained. The statue aims to keep Sister Jean’s memory alive for generations, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and feel her presence.
President Reed emphasized the significance of the statue, stating, “Her compassion, joy and unwavering care touched countless lives across our university and far beyond. This sculpture will invite us to sit, and to pause, to smile and to reflect, and it will stand as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary way Sister Jean made people feel seen, welcomed and valued.”
A Life Dedicated to Service and Faith
Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, in San Francisco, Sister Jean joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1938. She began teaching at Mundelein College in 1961 and continued her work when the college merged with Loyola University. Her role as the chaplain for the Loyola men’s basketball team from 1996 onward made her a cherished figure, not just on the court but throughout the entire campus community.
Sister Jean’s fame extended beyond the university when the Loyola men’s basketball team made a historic run in the 2018 NCAA March Madness tournament. Her presence on the sidelines, offering prayers and advice, captured national attention. She received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis on her 100th birthday and a presidential proclamation from former President Joe Biden on her 105th birthday.
An Enduring Legacy
Sister Jean’s impact was far-reaching, extending beyond sports. She guided the community through the pandemic, wrote a memoir, and was honored with the naming of the Loyola Red Line Station plaza in her honor. Her funeral in October drew hundreds of mourners, reflecting the deep affection and respect she inspired.
The bronze statue now stands as a testament to Sister Jean’s enduring legacy. Survived by her sister-in-law, Jeanne Tidwell, and her niece, Janet Schmidt, her spirit continues to inspire current and future students, reminding them of the values she embodied: compassion, joy, and unwavering care.
