A popular college basketball super-fan is celebrating another trip around the sun.
“Yes, it is my 106th birthday,” Loyola University’s Sister Jean said in a message to students and staff.
She has been the chaplain for the Ramblers men’s basketball team since 1994. Now, 30 years later, she is still their number-one fan.
Her birthday is usually celebrated with a campus block party, however this year, Sister Jean will not be able to attend.
“I am unable to be there because I have a bad summer cold and other health issues so it has been decided that I should not go to Lake Shore Campus to be with you on my birthday,” she said. “That makes me very sad, but you can still celebrate.”
She shared the following message for students:
Make new friends. Talk to your old friends. Enjoy your move-in and your preparations for class.
I will be with you in spirit and love and prayer. These things are very important in your life as you adjust to your new “home away from home” at Loyola University. Your parents have entrusted you to our care.
We appreciate that trust. We know that you will live by it and that you will become the people that you want to be, the people that God has decided you will be. Yes, you have to be yourself.
It has been wonderful for me to be with you these years and to watch you grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially, and to see the friends you’ve made. And to see the progress you’ve made in your academic life. I’ve always been happy to share my time with you.
Let your dreams become reality. Don’t let anybody stop you. You are the future leaders of our churches, our schools, our country, and our world. I wish you success during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Although this year I am unable to be at the party with you in person, I celebrate with you in spirit.
God bless you and Go Ramblers!
Sr. Jean
