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The "Last Lecture" professor of CMU dies of cancer
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by jessica.lam | July 25, 2008 at 08:40 am
525 views | 15 Recommendations | 8 comments
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Last year, Dr. Randy Pausch gave his Last Lecture. A professor at Carnagie Mellon University, he decided to impart his words of wisdom last fall in the form he knew best: a lecture.
I remember when I watched the clip last year, whether it was through a forwarded email or a forum, I don't remember anymore. What I still remember are his sentiments and the lessons that he wanted to leave. With these captured moments, Dr. Pausch has made his mark on the millions of viewers, and today we are grateful that he taken the effort to remind us of our human strength and fragility.
Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor whose final lecture inspired millions, died early today in Virginia of pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Pausch, 47, who turned the lecture into a book, said that no one would have been interested in his words of wisdom were he not a man in his 40s with a terminal illness, leaving behind a wife and three young children.
According to Dr. Pausch's Web site, a biopsy last week revealed that the cancer had progressed further than expected, based on recent PETscans.
"Since last week, Randy has also taken a step down and is much sicker than he had been," the Web site said. "He's now enrolled in hospice. He's no longer able to post here so I'm a friend posting on his behalf because we know that many folks are watching this space for updates."
What do you remember and what would you say if given the chance?
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (8)
at 09:46 on July 25th, 2008
i love his lecture...and the fact he dedicated it to his kids. A lost indeed
at 09:47 on July 25th, 2008
jay.el, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 10:28 on July 25th, 2008
I just discovered Randy Pausch when I read his book. I then found his lecture on the internet. What an inspiration! He didn't speak about dying, he spoke about living! A wonderful legacy to leave us all.
lrayholly has contributed a photo to this story.
at 13:32 on July 25th, 2008
Having lasted longer than doctors predicted, Randy Pausch made a surprise appearance at Carnegie Mellon's 2008 Commencement and gave a condensed but still moving speech about following your dreams.
I felt honored to have gotten to hear him in person.
kristanlh has contributed a photo to this story.
at 13:35 on July 25th, 2008
I just reviewed this book again last night. I am deeply fulfilled by the life attitude of Professor Randy Pausch.
coolmumu has contributed a photo to this story.
at 05:32 on July 26th, 2008
I was waiting for an appointment in 2007 at CMU when I realized I was right outside the Randy Pausch Labs.
tingtingchung has contributed a photo to this story.
at 06:06 on July 26th, 2008
jay.el, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 04:35 on July 27th, 2008
There is another link to the story as well. The lecture was great, you'll cry, you'll laugh, but most of all you will learn a lesson.
http://www.nowpublic.com/health/last-lecture-professor-randy-pausch-47-dies