Within the Loyola Marymount University community, the Iggy bobblehead is among memorabilia royalty. Approximately once a year, the campus newspaper—the Loyolan—partners with LMU Athletics to give away a bobblehead showcasing the university’s lion mascot in a unique style. But the allure of the tradition extends far beyond one’s excitement at seeing Iggy dressed in beach attire or dunking as though he is LeBron James.
Why does the annual bobblehead resonate with students, in particular? It encapsulates a fleeting moment in what is colloquially referred to as the best four years of a person’s life. For some, this moment is one of anticipation. They are eager to get involved on campus and seize the opportunities that lie before them. For others, this moment is one of reflection and remembrance. While years come and go, the memories a bobblehead represents never fade.
When the semester began two weeks ago, Associated Students of LMU President D’Anthony Yates was talking with a first-year student who was fascinated by the Iggy bobbleheads sitting on a nearby desk. She asked Yates how she could obtain one. He explained the tradition and how she would have to wait until the giveaway this year.
“But I’ll make a deal with you,” added Yates, the proud owner of seven variations of Iggy. “If you attend my office hours, I will give you a bobblehead.”
The student quickly accepted Yates’ offer. The pair walked to his office, where they discussed the resources at the student’s disposal and the many ways she could get involved on campus. Together, they created a yearlong plan, which includes her running for a position in the Residence Hall Association.
Connor MacDougall, a recent graduate of LMU, became heavily invested in the bobblehead giveaway after joining the Loyolan during his junior year. The newspaper plays a prominent role in the bobblehead design process, and it wasn’t until working in this environment that MacDougall understood how important the tradition is to students. He recalled the general excitement that characterized the staff meetings leading up to last year’s reveal. On the day the bobblehead was announced, each member of the Loyolan was given one as they left the office.
“It was just cool to know that I was a part of something,” said MacDougall, even though he didn’t directly help design or distribute the bobblehead.
Having gained a newfound appreciation for the tradition, MacDougall began to reflect on his time at LMU. He felt like he had been missing out on important parts of the “college culture” and was determined to demonstrate his school spirit during his final year. Central to this mission was attending more sporting events on campus, particularly the men’s basketball games.
“It’s a cool relic from a really important time in my life,” said MacDougall, looking at one of his bobbleheads still in its original packaging. “Just like my old Funko Pop! obsession, none of these Iggys are coming out of the box.”
Knowing his bobbleheads will be preserved in pristine condition, MacDougall is anticipating the day he gets to share them with his children. Likewise, Yates cannot wait to share the story of his time at LMU with his children and family members, a story that he believes is told by his bobbleheads.
In recent years, Iggy has donned a variety of styles, ranging from his flashiest pop star outfit to the hiking gear expected of an outdoorsman. The year 2025 was marked by two separate giveaways, both of which reflected the mascot’s new beige and brown design. Slapshot Iggy was especially groundbreaking, highlighting the 20th anniversary of LMU men’s ice hockey.
“I am looking forward to the giveaway this year, especially being that we are coming into our 17th president’s first term,” said Yates, referencing how former Executive Vice President and Provost Thomas Poon recently assumed his role as head of the university. “I am hoping that [the bobblehead] will incorporate his first year, being that he is a huge part of the LMU community.”
The 2026 design will likely remain a mystery until it is revealed during the spring semester. In the meantime, students and graduates alike should grab their favorite version of Iggy. The lion will nod his head up and down, seemingly understanding all the aspirations and memories he represents.
