Loyola University Chicago has begun the new academic year by unveiling a statue of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt. The ceremony, which coincided with what would have been Sister Jean’s birthday, took place after she passed away in October at the age of 106.

Margaret Mary, a proud graduate of Mundelein College, attended the event. Mundelein merged with Loyola in 1991. Sister Jean served as a teacher at Mundelein before continuing her influential work at Loyola. Her legacy is deeply interwoven with the campus culture.

“Sister Jean was more than an educator; she was an icon,” remarked an attendee at the ceremony.

A sign honoring Sister Jean stood beside the statue, commemorating her dedication and service to the community. The presence of her statue aims to keep her memory and contributions alive on the campus.

Attendees wore buttons in her honor, showing the profound impact Sister Jean had on their lives. Sculptor Littleton Alston, who created the statue, expressed pride in his work, which now serves as a lasting tribute to Sister Jean.

The statue is situated prominently, celebrating Sister Jean’s long-standing influence as a cherished mentor and community figure at Loyola University. Her positive impact continues to resonate across the campus.