Laker Louie has been a long standing mascot of the college, evolving as the years go on. Photo by Lake Land College.
The beloved mascot of Lake Land College received a costume and merchandise upgrade over the spring semester and summer of the 2023 year. The previous mascot was changed, due the face possibly scaring children during sports tournaments and other school activities. The new face of Louie was revealed to most of the new student body, during the welcome day festivities. Many students that day expressed confusion towards the mascot face change, commenting on the fact that Louie may even look creepier than what he originally was.
The previous mascot, though very tall, was an accurate and more intimidating look to Louie. Louie has had a long history of being changed. When the college was still fresh in 1980, Louie was called ‘Dunker Duck’, according to the college website’s history. Dunker Duck was an unofficial mascot that was voted on by the student body, and the original design is reminiscent of the old version of Laker Louie the college knows and loves. The new design is slightly more red bird looking more that of a cardinal than a mallard.
Multiple students who attended the welcome day celebration held in the Field House were taken aback by the new look of Louie, many students claiming they won’t go near the mascot. The mascot now includes a bit more vibrant colors and a new uniform to go with the new face. The older mascot costume is still on campus; he can be found in the bookstore windows. My opinion on the new mascot is mostly indifferent, with main concerns being the face of Louie. His face changed from the previously mentioned intimidating angered look to a face that looks more surprised or shocked to be where he is. Considering that Louie is mainly a huge sports fan, attending most of the games, I think the surprised look will give the idea that the teams may be nervous for the impending game. I like the old look of Louie just a bit more, he was very talk and maybe creepy from certain angles, but the new one just does not seem to be the right kind of bird for Louie’s species.
