The Bruin Bear Statue

The Bruin Statue, situated between Ackerman Student Union and the John Wooden Sports and Recreation Center in Westwood Plaza, is the large bronze sculptural representation of the UCLA Mascot, Joe Bruin. Donated by the UCLA Alumni Association in 1984 during their 50th Anniversary celebration, the statue is ten feet long, six feet tall, and three feet wide. Weighing more than two tons, The Bruin was, at the time of its installation in Bruin Plaza, the largest bear sculpture in all of the United States. Over the years, the Bruin Statue has also played a central role in the longstanding rivalry between UCLA and the University of Southern California. As a common target of Trojan vandalism, as it was in 2009, the Bruin Statue is regularly guarded by UCLA students in anticipation of the annual UCLA vs. USC football game, as they cover the statue in a large box claiming that "THE BRUIN BEAR IS HIBERNATING. BEAT 'SC." Many students also believe that rubbing the back paw of the statue will bring them good luck.