Fans across US celebrate Sister Jean's 100th birthday
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Sister Jean has reached a major milestone!
Loyola University, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and fans across the U.S. celebrated the beloved nun's 100th birthday on Wednesday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER JEAN!
"Being 100, God has been very good to me in keeping me as healthy as possible. Keeping me active, and keeping me thinking a straight way, and keeping me in touch with young people," said Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who has dedicated her life to faith, education, and of course, basketball.
As she prepared to hit the century mark, Sister Jean shared her secret to longevity.
"Get up in the morning, be happy. You have to be happy; you have to convey happiness and you have to show people you, yourself are happy to make other people happy," Sister Jean said.
The celebrations Wednesday didn't serve as just a milestone for Sister Jean. It was also a way for the Loyola community to come together to reflect on the lives she's touched along the way.
"Her sense of humor is fantastic," said Maddie Drescher, a Sister Jean fan.
"She takes care of the students, to this day," said Deb Schmidt-Rogers, who's also a fan of the nun.
Now, Sister Jean's birthday will be commemorated across the state, thanks to Illinois' governor.
"I am here to proclaim today, August 21, 2019, in the state of Illinois as Sister Jean Day," Pritzker said.
But the beloved nun's reach extends farther than just Chicago or even Illinois.
Good Morning America also celebrated Sister Jean Wednesday, as well as ESPN sportscaster Dick Vitale.
"Your smile, your enthusiasm, your energy is amazing! You bring joy to so many," Vitale said.
Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley called the nun "an amazing lady."
"You're special, significant and it's an honor to spend time with you," Barkley said.
From helping student athletes keep up their grades to compete, to becoming team chaplain, to her world famous sideline cheering during Loyola's 2018 Cinderella run, it's certainly clear that Sister Jean is loved.
She was even honored with a one-of-a kind LEGO statue in her likeness.
WATCH: Sister Jean honored for her 100th birthday with LEGO statue
Sister Jean was also surprised Wednesday with a scholarship fund in her name, totaling roughly $500,000 to help Loyola students.
"I can't pray for you all by name, otherwise my knees would get too sore," Sister Jean said. "God bless every one of you and go Ramblers!"
