Sister Jean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jean Dolores Schmidt |
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Jean Dolores Schmidt |
| Born | August 21, 1919 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Mount St. Mary's College (B.A.) Loyola University of Los Angeles (M.A.) |
Sister Jean, whose full name is Jean Dolores Schmidt, was born on August 21, 1919. She is a beloved American nun, also known as a religious sister. Sister Jean is most famous for being the chaplain for the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team. A chaplain is like a spiritual guide or advisor for the team. She works at Loyola University Chicago and has inspired many people with her positive spirit.
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Early Life and Education
Jean Dolores Schmidt was born in San Francisco, California. She grew up in a neighborhood called Eureka Valley. From a young age, she thought about becoming a nun. When she was a student at St. Paul's High School, she played on the girls' basketball team.
After finishing high school in 1937, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a group of religious sisters. In 1941, she became a sister and started teaching in California. Sister Jean continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. Later, she earned a Master of Arts degree in 1961.
Sister Jean's Career and Impact
Sister Jean began her teaching career at St. Bernard School in California. She later taught at St. Charles Borromeo School. In 1961, Sister Jean moved to Chicago to teach at Mundelein College. During the 1960s, she was active in the civil rights movement. This movement worked to end unfair treatment and ensure equal rights for all people.
In 1991, Mundelein College joined with Loyola University. Sister Jean then began working at Loyola. Since 1994, she has been the team chaplain for the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team. She offers both spiritual support and helpful advice about the games.
Sister Jean is so popular that she even has her own bobblehead doll! In 2012, Loyola University celebrated a special "Sister Jean Day" in her honor. She also received an honorary doctorate from Loyola in 2016. This award recognized her 50 years of service to the university.
As of 2025, Sister Jean is still living in Chicago. She continues to inspire many people with her dedication and positive outlook.
Sister Jean and the NCAA Basketball Tournaments
Sister Jean became very well-known during the 2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The Loyola Ramblers team, which was not expected to win, surprised everyone. They beat strong teams like Miami and Tennessee. This sent Loyola to the "Sweet 16" for the first time in 33 years.
Sister Jean, who was 98 years old at the time, quickly became a star. Her bobbleheads became very popular and were sold for high prices. The Ramblers continued their amazing journey, reaching the "Final Four." This was their first time in the Final Four since 1963. They eventually lost to Michigan in the semifinal game.
Sister Jean gained national attention again in the 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. She was able to attend the tournament after getting her COVID-19 vaccine. Before a big game against the top-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, she even included a scouting report in her opening prayer! The Ramblers went on to upset the Illini, winning 71–58.
She also made an appearance at the 2022 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. People were happy to see her still in good health and cheering on her team.
Celebrating Sister Jean's Long Life
Sister Jean became a centenarian on August 21, 2019. This means she turned 100 years old! The Governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, declared it 'Sister Jean Day' across the entire state.
On August 21, 2022, a plaza near the Loyola CTA station was named after Sister Jean. This was to celebrate her 103rd birthday.
When she celebrated her 105th birthday in 2024, Sister Jean shared her secrets for a long life. She said it's important to love others and God, take care of your mind and body, and spend time with young people. For her 105th birthday, she even received a special message from President Joe Biden. This message recognized her many years of service.
