Water Tower Campus Celebrates Sister Jean’s 105th Birthday

Starting at 4:00 p.m., new and returning students filled the streets around the Water Tower Campus for the WTC Block Party where a line quickly formed for a picture with the guest of honor – Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt.

After opening performances from the band “Maggie Says,” President Mark C. Reed brought Schmidt on stage and introduced her to the crowd. He thanked her for everything she’s done in her ministry and during her time at Loyola and asked present students, alumni, faculty and staff to join him in singing her Happy Birthday.

Schmidt said there was no better way to celebrate her birthday than with students at the Block Party. 

“Hopefully we will give them plenty of space to mature spiritually, intellectually, academically and socially,” Schmidt said. “I see that happening already,”

The Graduate, Professional and Adult Student Life unit hosted the event Aug. 29 as one of the closing Welcome Week events and celebrated Schmidt’s 105th birthday.

As students embark on their journey at the university, Schmidt encouraged them to keep their dreams. 

“Don’t let anybody spoil them,” Schmidt said. “Follow the Ignatian principles that you learn at Loyola.”

The event hosted booths from different offices on campus, like the University Libraries, the WTC Wellness Center and the School of Communication. Chicago restaurants like Flaco’s Tacos and Connie’s Pizza were also present and offered refreshments to party attendees. 

“I am a second-year student, but this is my first year going to the event because I live downtown now,” environmental science major Clare Morrissey said. “It has been really nice to have a chance to be outdoors while listening to music and having good food.”

Second-year psychology and criminal justice student, Annabelle Mueller, was at the Block Party as a Welcome Week leader, checking students in to the event.

“The downtown campus can be overlooked at times, especially if you are not in a major that takes classes here,” Mueller said. “It was nice to see people enjoy the campus and see how lucky we are to have a place like that in the city.”

Students also lined up for caricature and henna artists, while others played games at the booths giving away Loyola merchandise.

Schmidt said she has too many good memories at Loyola to just talk about one. She said it’s important to acknowledge the good that has been done and the good that could be done better in the future.

At Loyola’s campus, Schmidt said her favorite places are the Madonna della Strada Chapel and the lakefront. 

“The chapel brings an amount of peace as soon you step inside, and the lake makes us appreciate the beautiful creation that God has given us,” Schmidt reflected.