Sister Jean Receives Proclamation from President Biden

Shortly after her 105th birthday, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM received an unexpected gift — an official proclamation from the President of the United States. 

The friendship between Schmidt and the Biden family started in 2018 when Schmidt was honored with the Sword of Loyola at the Founder’s Dinner. 

“The Sword of Loyola is given to an individual who exhibits exceptional dedication and humanitarian service in fields other than medicine,” according to the Loyola Digital Special Collections, “The sword symbolizes the distinctive spiritual qualities associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola — courage, dedication and service.”

A Loyola spokesperson didn’t respond to The Phoenix’s requests for a statement.

At the Founder’s Dinner, Dr. Jill Biden was a guest speaker. Schmidt’s bond with the Biden family blossomed following a conversation between her and Jill Biden, according to Philip Hale, Loyola’s vice president of civic engagements and government affairs.

After hearing President Joe Biden’s July 24 speech concerning his decision to not run for a second term, Schmidt thought his decision displayed his dedication to putting the country first, according to Hale.

“She was very moved by it, and very impressed and proud of the President, if you will.” Hale said, “She wanted him to know that. I asked if she wanted to write him a letter and she thought that was a great idea.” 

Loyola Athletics declined The Phoenix’s requests for an interview with Schmidt.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and his staff were also essential in the process of getting the letter to the right hands, Philip Hale said. 

“The senator and president were very close, of course, and are very close,” Hale said. 

President Biden and Durbin served in the U.S. Senate at the same time from 1996 to 2009. They both worked together in the Democratic party.

Durbin and his media staff did not respond to The Phoenix’s requests for a comment. 

The inspiration for honoring Schmidt came from Durbin, who suggested the idea to President Joe Biden. From there, Durbin and President Biden decided to send Schmidt an official proclamation, according to Hale.

The President of the United States communicates information using proclamations for holidays, commemorations, special observations, trade and policy, according to the Federal Register. 

“As you have walked your faith throughout the years, your servant leadership and steadfast prayers have shaped the lives of thousands of young people and their families and inspired countless others throughout the world,” the letter from the Bidens read. “Educators like you are the heart and soul of our Nation, caring for students, passing on knowledge, and inspiring them to dream of new possibilities.” 

Schmidt was thrilled to receive such an honor from President Biden and the first lady, Hale said. Durbin and Schmidt met recently, and she thanked Durbin for his help with the proclamation, according to Hale. 

“And by living out the values of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—in corridors, in classrooms, and on the courtside of your beloved Ramblers games—you have shown us all that yours is a life well-lived,” the letter from the Bidens read. 

Hale said Schmidt didn’t earn the honor from one task, but instead earned it from multiple contributions she made throughout her life. 

“It’s not for serving in the military,” Hale said. “It’s not for a lot of the things that a president often honors. It is for being a person for others. It is for a life of service, and that’s something that we can all take away.”