Pausch, a computer scientist who taught at UVa from 1988 to 1997, founded the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University and developed and contributed to various animation systems used in the education of both high school and college students. 

By reading the many articles written about Pausch and his life, it is quite apparent how his desire to live life to the fullest in the face of pancreatic cancer was an inspiration to many. According to an article in the Washington Post , Pausch was quoted as having said, "We don't beat the Reaper by living longer. We beat the Reaper by living well." Another memorable quote, "I'm attempting to put myself in a bottle that will one day wash up on the beach for my children", has been attributed to Pausch by his colleagues at the university. 

Apparently, Pausch's last lecture---delivered one year following his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer---entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", has been viewed on the internet by millions of people and had a lasting effect on attendees and viewers the world over. To see a video of the lecture, please click here.

Hyperion Books, Pausch's publisher, maintains a website entitled The Last Lecture, honoring the professor and the breadth and depth of his global influence. Just after Pausch's death, Ellen Archer, the President and Publisher of Hyperion Books, posted the following memorial to the company's beloved client and friend:

"We at Hyperion were very sad to hear the news this morning of Randy Pausch's passing. Randy was a remarkable man, and we were extremely proud to be the publisher of his extraordinary book. As Randy reminded us, 'We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.' The way Randy lived his life up until the very end of it is an example to all of us and he will be missed by millions."

-----

NurseKeith is a nurse, blogger, consultant and writer. Feel free to visit his blog, Digital Doorway .  

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment