Randy Pausch

Who is he and what is he known for?

Randolph Frederick Pausch was a Computer Science professor at Carnegie Melon University (CMU). He had a vital role at CMU as he co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center where he taught the Building Virtual Worlds course. Pausch's hard work and achievements at CMU led him to receive the National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award, the Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award, and other awards.


Unfortunately, in 2006, Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His health was in critical condition and he was told he only had less than a year of good health left. Due to chemotherapy, Pauche developed metastasis in his lungs, lymph nodes, and cavities. In 2008 Pauschs' health was the worst it's ever been. Sadly, Pausch passed away due to his illness on 8/July/2008.



Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Pauschs last lecture

Pausch's last talk "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" was a way for him to bestow the knowledge and expertise he accumulated throughout his life journey.


  1. I liked his brick wall analogy "The brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things." Pausch used this analogy multiple times in his talk, implying that obstacles that you may face are there to separate. the people who would work harder for the other side of the wall.

  2. I liked that he had a variety of goals that aren't all related to his career like meeting captain Kirk and winning stuffed animals in fairs.

  3. I liked that in his lecture he did not focus on death, rather, he focused on making the most out of your life and how to spend your time on the right things.

  4. I liked that he went through his childhood goals one by one and he explained how his plans changed along the way.

  5. I liked how he decided to become a professor because he wanted to help others achieve their childhood dreams.