Mick and Mack are replicas of a famous pair of lions found in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, which was constructed in 1382. Jocab Hoffner saw the lions and wanted smaller copies made for his Cincinnati gardens. Later, Jacob donated the lions to the University of Cincinnati and they have become icons of McMicken Hall.

The lion statues have become a campus legend, earning the names Mick and Mack due to their location in front of McMicken Hall. Students have posed for pictures with Mick and Mack, and often the red outline from a lipsticked kiss can be found on them.

Their history has led to the adoption of Mick and Mack as official mascots of McMicken College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association.