Loyola Unveiled Bronze Statue of Sister Jean
A new monument honoring the late chaplain was placed on the university campus in Chicago.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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Loyola University Chicago unveiled a bronze statue of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt on August 21, 2026. The figure was installed on the West Quad outside of Gentile Arena to commemorate her legacy.
Why it matters
The statue honors the late chaplain's long-standing tradition of kindness and compassion at the university. It serves as a tribute to her impact on students and the basketball program during her decades of service.
The slightly larger than life bronze figure depicts Sister Jean holding a basketball while seated on a bench. It features an open seat on the bench specifically designed to allow students to sit alongside the icon.
The players
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt
She was the long-time chaplain for the Loyola men's basketball team who became a nationally recognized figure during the 2018 March Madness tournament.
Littleton Alston
He is the sculptor who created the bronze figure of Sister Jean, known for his work associated with Creighton University.
Loyola University Chicago
This private Jesuit university located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago is where Sister Jean spent over 60 years of her life.
The details
Sculpted by Littleton Alston, the statue was placed in the West Quad to mark what would have been the 107th birthday of Sister Jean. She served as the chaplain for the men's basketball team from 1996 until 2025.
Timeline
Sister Jean served as team chaplain from 1996 to 2025.
The men's basketball team achieved a Final Four run in 2018.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt died in October 2025.
The bronze statue was unveiled on August 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The statue commemorates a figure central to the university's most successful modern sports era. It cements her role in the history of the basketball program following her death in 2025.
Students and visitors can now utilize the open seat on the bench as a dedicated space for reflection or photos on the West Quad. The statue creates a permanent landmark adjacent to the site where she cheered for the team for 30 years.
The takeaway
The installation serves as a permanent memorial to a figure who defined the spirit of the university athletics department for decades. Fans and students are encouraged to visit the West Quad to engage with the public art tribute.
Further reading
Learn more about local collegiate athletics by visiting our Basketball coverage section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Loyola Phoenix.
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