Randy Pausch was a professor of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University and the author of the internationally acclaimed book "The Last Lecture." His inspirational lecture of the same name, delivered after learning his pancreatic cancer was terminal, became a viral phenomenon with millions of views worldwide. The lecture, originally intended for his children, evolved into a profound meditation on achieving childhood dreams and living purposefully, encapsulated in his bestselling book co-written with Jeffrey Zaslow.
An award-winning educator and researcher, Pausch taught at the University of Virginia before joining Carnegie Mellon, where he co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center. His professional collaborations included work with Walt Disney Imagineering and Google, alongside pioneering the Alice project—an innovative programming tool for young learners. Known for his humor and wisdom, Pausch emphasized overcoming obstacles and valuing time in both his academic work and public speaking. His enduring legacy continues to inspire through his writings and recorded lectures.