Loyola University Chicago unveils statue of beloved chaplain Sister Jean
A statue honoring Loyola University legend Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt was unveiled on Friday to mark the start of the new school year on what would have been the beloved Rambler icon's 107th birthday.
Thousands of students, faculty, and staff were on campus for "Ramblers Welcome Day" on Friday. It was the first new school year at Loyola since Sister Jean died last October.
"Putting a statue of Sister Jean here on campus was a no brainer," said Loyola athletic director Steve Watson.
Sister Jean was the Loyola Ramblers basketball program's chaplain and most famous fan.
The bronze statue has Sister Jean sitting on a bench outside the Loyola basketball stadium and athletic center. She's smiling holding a basketball in her lap.
"Since her passing last October, I and I know so many of you still feel Sister Jean's presence," said Loyola president Dr. Mark Reed.
Sister Jean became an international celebrity during Loyola's run to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. They won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament to appear in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1985 — and the Final Four for the first time since 1963.
As so many remember fondly, Sister Jean became a star along with the team. Now her smiling face will warm the hearts of Loyola students, faculty, staff, and visitors for decades to come.
