"Last Lecture" Professor Randy Pausch dies at age 47

July 25, 2008

Randy Pausch, professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University has died at the age of 47. Pausch died from pancreatic cancer early this morning.

He was born Randolph Frederick Pausch on October 23, 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. He was known for his "The Last Lecture" speech on September 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon University.

The Pittsburgh City Council declared November 19, 2007 to be "Dr. Randy Pausch Day."

Finally, Brown University professor Andries van Dam followed Pausch's last lecture with a tearful and impassioned speech praising him for his courage and leadership, calling him a role model.

Pausch repeated his "Last Lecture" speech to the Oprah Show.

On May 18, 2008, Pausch made a surprise return appearance at Carnegie Mellon, giving a speech at the commencement ceremony, as well as attending the School of Computer Science's diploma ceremony.

He leaves behind his wife Jai and their three children: Dylan, 6, Logan, 4, and Chloe, 2.