The Laster Lecturer dies @ 47

[OMR]

‘Last Lecture’ Professor Randy Pausch, 47, Dies
Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon computer science professor whose last lecture became an Internet sensation and bestselling book, has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 47

Dr. Pausch, whose proudest professional achievement was creating a free computer programming tool for children called Alice, was an improbable celebrity. A self-professed nerd, he pushed his students to create virtual reality projects, celebrated the joy of amusement parks and even spent a brief stint as a Disney “Imagineer.'’

Last September, Dr. Pausch unexpectedly stepped on an international stage when he addressed a crowd of about 400 faculty and students at Carnegie Mellon as part of the school’s “Last Lecture” series. In the talks, professors typically talk about issues that matter most to them. Dr. Pausch opened his talk with the news that he had terminal cancer and proceeded to deliver an uplifting, funny talk about his own childhood dreams and how to help his children and others achieve their own goals in life. He learned he had pancreatic cancer in September, 2006.
Sitting in the audience was Carnegie Mellon alumnus Jeff Zaslow, a columnist with The Wall Street Journal, who wrote about the speech. Media outlets and bloggers linked to the story, and more than 10 million people have since watched an Internet video of the talk. The lecture was translated into seven languages, and Hyperion published a book version that became a New York Times bestseller.

I was fortunate to meet Dr. Pausch this spring and was amazed by his boyish good nature and optimistic outlook even in the face of death. During an April interview near his home in Virginia, he called the furor surrounding his lecture “a ridiculous chain of coincidental luck.'’ I was thrilled because my whole life anything I could do to get Carnegie Mellon some well-deserved exposure, I always felt compelled to do,'’ he said.

But, he added, he never expected so many people to tune in to his advice about letting kids paint on their walls and win stuffed animals at amusement parks. “I didn’t set out to tell the world about how to live their life,'’ he said.

Dr. Pausch died early today at his home in Virginia. Although Dr. Pausch was famous for his poignant, frank discussion of his impending death, he was also aggressive about seeking treatments that could prolong his life and the time he had left to spend with his wife, Jai, and their three children. A lifetime problem solver, Dr. Pausch was determined to help his wife and children cope with his death. “I haven’t found a way to clever my way out of it,'’ he told me.
Although cancer and his last lecture helped make him a celebrity, Dr. Pausch said much in his life was the same as always.

Cancer didn’t change me at all,'’ he said. “I know lots of people talk about the life revelation. I didn’t have that. I always thought every day was a gift, but now I am looking for where to send the thank you note.."

On the Well blog, Dr. Pausch first gave us “Words to Live By,'’ followed by a fun contest that led to advice for our kids. Most recently, he gave us “A Lesson on How to Say Goodbye” and talked about “Keeping Priorities Straight, Even at the End.”

If you haven't seen this, do yourself a favor and watch it. Sorta puts things in perspective!

Here's the You Tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

[CalEpic]

I saw the speech and was moved by how insightful he was even with death staring him in the face.

This should be on everyone's reading/viewing list

C

[sheclimbs]

I couldn't agree more, what a fine example of how to live your life with grace every day. I was very moved by the fact that he considered that "last lecture" a letter to his children. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had something like that to keep as a lasting memorial of our loved ones.

[volcomsteban]

He had marvelous incite. It's always a shame when a great mind is taken from the world too early.

[Pugz]

An amazing person for sure. People with insight like that have always amazed me.

[Blue Rat]

Thank for sharing ... I'm glad that I chose to clear my schedule to watch this motivating lecture.

[schleppp]

Originally Posted by Blue Rat

I'm glad that I chose to clear my schedule to watch this motivating lecture.

Went so far as to "quit" your job!!

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by schleppp

Went so far as to "quit" your job!!

It's not easy being retired ... I had to miss my early afternoon nap.

[OldDogDan]

What a great speaker and person -- that was well worth the time to watch. thanks.


Just found this:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=4614281&page=1

Tune in to "Good Morning America" Monday July 28 and Tuesday July 29 for a special tribute to Professor Pausch. Then be sure and catch "The Last Lecture: A Celebration of Life" Tuesday July 29 on "Primetime" at 10 p.m. ET and click here to see ABC News' full coverage of his story.

[Sharky]

Hey Primetime on 7 is running a complete story on him right now if anyone wants to catch it. So many things he said stuck with me I don't think you can watch without learning several valuable lessons on life. He has rare insights that left a real impression. I hope they include much of his lecture.

[OldDogDan]

Yes, I watched the whole thing. A very exceptional guy and an inspiring example of attitude. Thanks OMR for bring this up.

[wahoofish]

I took Dr Pausch's undergrad Usability Engineering class at Virginia back in '96. One of the best professors I've ever had (most CS and engineering professors put all their efforts into research and were terrible teachers). He was passionate about teaching and opened the eyes of lots of students.

My mindset is still influenced by what he taught in that class.

[Diamondback]

I saw his lecture on "time management" and was very impressed. Its on youtube as well. Ironically, I sent this link to many friends who didnt have time to watch it, yet I still see them toiling around wasting time playing video games all day. Godspeed Randy.