CU alum helps us remember our childhood

When people think of famous University of Colorado alumni, they think of Robert Redford, Glenn Miller and the creators of South Park.

Willis Pyle’s name should be in the mix as well. His name might not be familiar, but his creations are sure to remind us of our youth.

Pyle created such characters as Pinocchio, Bambi, Goofy, Doc, Happy, Sleepy and other dwarfs from Snow White. He is 96 years old and still showing his work in New York City.

“Everybody recognizes this stuff. It’s everyone’s childhood all rolled into one,” said Patty Kuster of the CU Heritage Center.

Pyle began his illustrious career as a student in Boulder 77 years ago. He was an art major in the Arts and Science school and was the editor of a comical student magazine titled the Colorado Dodo.

The animations Pyle created throughout his career are so embedded in our culture that they’ve come to be endearing to all generations.

Fellow Boulder graduate Brett Bryant said, “It’s great to hear about some things that other CU alumni have done. Coming in here and just seeing some of these sketches, it’s unbelievable. I mean I remember seeing these movies and growing up on this kind of thing.”

There’s no doubt Pyle’s work will continue to tug at our hearts and serve as an inspiration well into the 21st century.

These characters and other works of Willis Pyle are now on display at the Heritage Center, located in the Old Main building on campus. The exhibit is part of this year’s homecoming celebration, titled Get Animated. You can see the animations for yourself now through Dec. 17, Monday through Friday.