Griffons IMAGINE
I have always been passionate about visual storytelling and artistic expression, filling many of my school notebooks with doodles and ideas. However, I didn’t realize how tangible a pursuit in the creative field would be until I came to MoWest. Growing up here in St. Joseph, I wanted a college experience that would keep me close to home. Since I am the second generation in my family to have attended MoWest, my application to the school was a no brainer.
I chose Digital Animation and Graphic Design because I wanted to pursue a field that would ignite my passion and push me outside of my comfort zone. MoWest has delivered that desire tenfold, providing academic and professional opportunities that have taken me across the country and beyond international borders. My childhood dream has manifested into a real tangible goal, and I have my community and my school to thank for that.
Even now, it feels as if the school only has room to grow. While our program has been focused on digital development, the construction of the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology has provided new opportunities for students in the School of Fine Arts to explore topics in fabrication and industrial design. It is a development that has sparked inspiration in my own studies, and provides me with the freedom to continue to explore different paths within the industry.
Following my graduation this Spring, I plan to stay in the Kansas City area while pursuing a career in the field. While the idea of starting a new chapter makes me nervous, my time at Missouri Western has given me confidence in myself as a professional as well as the skills that I can bring to the table in my future pursuits.
Kylee Derr is a legacy student at MoWest, proudly following in the footsteps of her parents and sister. She will graduate in Spring 2026 with a degree in Digital Animation and Graphic Design.
Kylee’s love for art began at a young age and has only grown stronger at MoWest. Her professors, she says, have fueled her creativity: “You can tell they are passionate about their students and their jobs.”
Through applied learning, Kylee has turned her imagination into reality. Using 3D printing technology, she has created her own projects—including designing a children’s toy line. This project not only allows her to build the toys, but also to apply her graphic design and marketing skills by developing packaging and branding.
Beyond the classroom, Kylee leads as President of the Animation Club and serves as a Griffon Edge Leader, welcoming new students to the University. Her applied learning has also taken her beyond campus— first to New York with a psychology/journalism group, and most recently to Vancouver as a volunteer at the SIGGRAPH Conference, the premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques. There, she connected with recruiters, gained professional portfolio feedback, and had a behind-the-scenes look at films like Minecraft, Superman, and The Last of Us.
Kylee’s story is just one example of what’s possible when students are given the chance to learn by doing. With your support, students can imagine, create, and inspire—just like Kylee. Please consider making a gift today to ensure every Griffon has the opportunity to transform their dreams into reality.
Kylee Derr ‘26 Digital Animation & Graphic Design