On September 18, 2007, computer science professor and alumnus Randy Pausch spoke before a packed McConomy Auditorium at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver his last lecture, a moving talk called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Within that context, he talked about the cancer that was devouring his pancreas and that would claim his life in a matter of months.
On the stage that day, he was youthful, energetic, cheerful and darkly funny. He seemed invincible. But that was a brief moment, as he himself acknowledged. With equal parts humor and heart, he delivered a one-of-a-kind last lecture that moved the overflow crowd at the university and went on to move audiences around the globe.
Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as has his best selling book, The Last Lecture based on the same principles; celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. Sadly, he lost his battle to pancreatic cancer a week ago today, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all for generations to come.
I urge you to take the time - make the time (1 hour 16 minutes) - to watch Randy’s last lecture this weekend. If you’ve already seen it, watch it again. I guarantee you’ll be inspired. More
“Almost all of us have childhood dreams; for example, being an astronaut, or making movies or video games for a living. Sadly, most people don’t achieve theirs, and I think that’s a shame. I had several specific childhood dreams, and I’ve actually achieved most of them.” - Randy Pausch, Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008