CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago will unveil a new Athletics Hall of Fame on January 21, 2017, prior to the men's basketball team's game versus the University of Evansville that afternoon at 3 p.m. in Gentile Arena. The Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame will be the focal point of the newly renovated front hallway of Gentile Arena.

At halftime of the game against Evansville that day, longtime men's basketball team chaplain and Loyola icon Sr. Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM will be inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame. A fixture at Rambler men's basketball games and other athletics contests, Sr. Jean has been an important part of the lives of many Loyola students, especially student-athletes.

"It is only fitting that Sr. Jean joins our Hall of Fame when we unveil its spectacular new location in Gentile Arena," Loyola Director of Athletics Steve Watson said. "She has touched the lives of countless Loyola alumni and we are fortunate to have her on our team."

The new Hall of Fame display, which will reside in the south atrium of Gentile Arena, will feature plaques for each inductee and the rebranded area will also honor the history and notable accomplishments of all Loyola varsity sports programs.

"It is difficult for me to find words to express my emotions upon being inducted into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame," Sr. Jean said. "I am humbled and honored to accept this recognition. I wish to thank all who have been responsible for this special award. One does not earn such recognition alone - there are others: the sisters of my religious congregation, our Loyola Jesuit community, my colleagues, and, of course our Ramblers, especially our men's basketball team, for whom I am chaplain. I am also honored to be joining such an elite group of great athletes who have brought honor to Loyola and to their respective teams and who have truly defined the game. Working with our athletes, especially as chaplain to the men's basketball team for almost a quarter of a century, has been a very special privilege, one that keeps me young at heart as I assist in preparing them to lead extraordinary lives."

Tickets for the January 21 men's basketball game versus Evansville can be purchased by calling the Loyola Ticket Office at (773) 508-WOLF or visiting LoyolaRamblers.com.