A Permanent Presence on Campus
Loyola University Chicago installed a bronze statue of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt on its campus Friday, August 21, 2026. The installation serves as a lasting tribute to the nun who became a global figure during the Ramblers men’s basketball team’s NCAA Tournament run in 2018. Located on a bench outside the Norville Center for Intercollegiate Athletics, the sculpture depicts the icon with a warm smile while holding a basketball. It is designed to invite students and visitors to sit alongside her, mirroring the accessible ministry she maintained for decades as a teacher, administrator, and team chaplain.
University president Mark Reed led the unveiling ceremony, which coincided with what would have been the nun’s birthday. The event took place during the first campus Welcome Week since her death last October at age 106. Reed spoke to a crowd of students and community members about her enduring impact on the school culture. He noted that while she is no longer present physically, her spirit remains a guide for the institution. The choice to place the statue on a bench was intentional, meant to keep her approachable for those seeking comfort or advice, much like when she served the school in person.
The Sculptor and His Process
Littleton Alston, a professor at Creighton University, served as the artist for the project. His connection to Jesuit education played a role in his selection, as Loyola administrators sought someone who understood the context of her life and work. Alston’s portfolio includes other significant public works, such as statues of St. Ignatius of Loyola and former Chicago Bears star Gale Sayers. He aimed to capture the specific energy and warmth that defined Sister Jean’s personality. The plaque nearby provides context for her legacy to ensure that future students who never met her understand her contributions to the university.
Director of Athletics Stephen Watson coordinated the installation, viewing it as a bridge between the school’s athletic identity and its religious roots. During the dedication, speakers emphasized that the sculpture serves as more than just a memorial. It is meant to remind the university community of the values she promoted throughout her tenure. Her niece traveled from California to witness the unveiling, highlighting the reach of her influence beyond the Chicago area. The presence of the statue on the bench marks a quiet, public space for reflection in the middle of a busy campus environment.
Legacy Beyond the Court
While her fame grew from televised tournament games and interviews with national outlets like Good Morning America, her life was defined by long-term service. She taught at Mundelein College before it merged with Loyola in 1991. That history was honored during the event, as alumni of the former college attended to pay their respects. Former players and coaches, including current coach Drew Valentine, often described her as a pillar of the community who prioritized people over fame. Valentine noted that she would have preferred to be celebrated for her life and accomplishments rather than mourned in a somber fashion.
President Reed recalled his own history with the nun, noting that when he started in his role four years ago, she provided him with a list of issues for him to consider. Their relationship was characterized by candid conversations and shared meals. As the university moves forward, this statue ensures that her influence on the campus remains tangible. It stands as a physical marker of her ministry of presence. The university plans to keep the area around the Norville Center as a site for students to engage with her memory for years to come.