Copies of The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture

Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture

On September 18, 2007, ETC co-founder and CMU alum Randy Pausch delivered a one-of-a-kind last lecture that made the world stop and pay attention.

It became an internet sensation viewed by millions, an international media story, and a best-selling book that has been published in more than 35 languages. It still inspires us today.

Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Randy had a knack for performance —  in front of the classroom and in front of the millions who watched his "Last Lecture." Now, you can watch a newly remastered version of it. 

More Randy Pausch Videos

Randy’s Story

A Carnegie Mellon University alumnus, Pausch co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center. He also led the research team that created ALICE, a revolutionary free software that still teaches computer programming to kids today. He was widely respected in academic circles for his unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together artists, dramatists, designers, and computer scientists and breaking new ground in the process. A pioneer in the development of virtual reality, he created the Building Virtual Worlds course all ETC students take in their first semester.

In 2006, Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On September 18, 2007 — a month after doctors told him he only had three-to-six months left to live —  Randy presented a lecture entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" to a packed Carnegie Mellon auditorium. In the lecture he shared stories of his childhood dreams, sharing his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles, and living generously. 

Pausch's lecture brought the house down that day, but it was also recorded. The resulting video went viral, and Pausch was interviewed by Diane Sawyer and Oprah. Pausch co-wrote a book version with Jeff Zaslow, a Wall Street Journal columnist and CMU alum, that became a bestseller upon its release; it was titled "The Last Lecture."

Randy continued battling pancreatic cancer, and ultimately died of complications at the age of 47 in September 2008; he is survived by his children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe, his wife Jai, and his legacy; today, millions continue to read or watch the Last Lecture and are moved by his words and his story. 

 

Randy Pausch quote
Randy Pausch.

An Interview with Randy Pausch

Before his death, CMU colleagues and students had the chance to ask Randy nearly 400 questions. His answers were equal parts funny and thought-provoking, and we wanted more people to hear them. Our students created this synthetic interview so you can learn about Randy's life and work straight from the source.

Ask Randy a question

Randy’s Story, Shared Globally

Randy Pausch’s Childhood Room

Take a video tour of Randy's room — guided by his sister Tammy Pausch Mason and complete with annotations about the artwork from Randy's book and lecture.

Explore the Gigapan Panorama of His Room

Faculty Member, Researcher, Mentor

Beyond the Entertainment Technology Center, Randy was involved in a number of university departments and initiatives.

Randy had an enormous and lasting impact on Carnegie Mellon. A brilliant researcher and gifted teacher, he was a key member of our Human-Computer Interaction Institute and co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center.

Jared L. Cohon
CMU President Emeritus
Randy Pausch Memorial Bridge.

Honoring His Legacy

The Pausch Bridge continues his original vision for co-founding the ETC: partnering the arts and the sciences. The bridge connects one of the university’s fine arts buildings, Purnell Center, with the computer science buildings, the Gates & Hillman Centers.

Learn More about the Pausch Bridge

Continuing His Legacy

Randy's legacy continues at Carnegie Mellon and with his ALICE Project. Help to continue Randy’s visions by supporting one of his funds.

Entertainment Technology Center

700 Technology Dr. Pittsburgh, PA. 15219