NCAA Tourney icon Sister Jean celebrates 100th birthday
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, famously known for her inspiring presence during the remarkable run by Loyola Chicago’s men’s basketball team in the 2018 NCAA Tourney, is celebrating her 100th birthday on Wednesday.
The new member of the centenarian club, who officially serves in the capacity of team chaplain for the Ramblers, is receiving tributes and best wishes from myriad media outlets and the world of college basketball in honor of her 100th birthday.
Happy 100th birthday to Sister Jean!
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 21, 2019
Her joy and passion for the Loyola Ramblers during their run to the Final Four remains one of the best stories in March Madness history. https://t.co/eDUySocNGk
Sister Jean turns tomorrow!
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) August 20, 2019
What’s the secret to longevity?
Biggest surprise over her 100 years?
Expectations for Loyola Chicago this season?@TheAndyKatz discusses it all with the @RamblersMBB chaplain just before she becomes a centenarian! #SisterJean100 🎂 pic.twitter.com/B4UYG86pnc
Loyola Chicago head coach Porter Moser also tweeted out a tribute to Sister Jean in honor of her milestone birthday.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY SISTER JEAN!! No one has more energy, passion and love than you! You truly are the heart and soul of the #Ramblers! We love you! #SisterJean100 pic.twitter.com/1czJsFcbhp
— Porter Moser (@PorterMoser) August 21, 2019
Sister Jean was recently honored ahead of her 100th birthday with a LEGO sculpture in her likeness, which will ultimately be on display at the Ramblers’ home basketball court for the upcoming season.
Check out how we are celebrating Sister Jean's 100th birthday at @LDCChicago ! Her LEGO Likeness will be on display at our attraction until October when the statue will move to @LoyolaChicago Gentile Arena.https://t.co/7oaoRICIDJ pic.twitter.com/Hm7aEEqeov
— LDC Chicago (@LDCChicago) August 20, 2019
The university also is in the process of raising funds for a $100,000 athletics endowment in her honor.
Such a remarkable outpouring of admiration and respect certainly is a testament to the indelible mark Sister Jean left on college basketball during Loyola Chicago’s improbable Final Four appearance a few years back.
