On 24 Sept. 2025, Lake Land College hosted a LEGO party, and for the first time in Lake Land history, we were graced with the presence of Louiesaurus Rex: a full-body, 3D printed dinosaur skeleton that stole the spotlight.
Printed by Scott Rhine, Special Assistant to the VP of Academic Services and Coordinator of the Innovation Lab, Louiesaurus Rex took form in Webb Hall Room 114 using the lab’s advanced 3D printers. The skeleton took 100 hours to print and was officially named by Lake Land President Josh Bullock in honor of the college’s beloved mascot, Laker Louie.
Also on display was a 3D printed dinosaur skull, which took 200 hours to produce. While it was not part of Louiesaurus Rex and did not receive an official name, it added to the prehistoric atmosphere and showcased the lab’s printing capabilities.
The event also featured free LEGO kits and a hands-on 3D printed dinosaur puzzle, also printed by Rhine. Brett Sawyer, the artist behind the monthly Laker Louie comic strip, added a creative twist to Louiesaurus in a conversation with Rhine. Sawyer imagined Louiesaurus as Louie’s long-lost ancestor, and his comic playfully showed Louie’s prehistoric roots—nostalgic, sweet, and totally real (wink).
Want to learn more about the Innovation Lab, the 3D printers and the creative minds behind Louiesaurus Rex? Keep an eye out for more information in the October issue of Navigator News in the Features section.
