Next year's common book, The Last Lecture<em>The Last Lecture</em>, focuses on the story of Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. , focuses on the story of Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. The Last Lecture, focuses on the story of Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given six months to live. After being diagnosed, he was invited to give a last lecture in which he reflected on his life and career.
Many professors all over the country have given this type of presentation including some Baker professors. Assistant Professor of History John Richards gave a Last Lecture presentation last year and Professor of Business and Economics Alan Grant said that he is planning to give one within the next few weeks.
“I think the idea of a last lecture is a nice one,” Grant said. “Randy Pausch spent his career telling students about computers, and now has one chance to tell them about the things that matter most in life to him. They get to share his successes and his failures, viewed through the eyes of someone who has just a few precious moments left.”
Dean of Students Cassy Bailey believes the common book is a great way to connect students and professors.
“This book teaches you to appreciate the here and now,” Bailey said.
Richards said giving the last lecture is a difficult thing to do “because it isn’t real, unless you’re Randy Pausch.”
“It really came down to trying to help students realize that so much of the anxiety they experience isn’t necessary,” Richards said. “Looking at problems from different perspectives can help you resolve them.”
In addition to the book, there is also a video on YouTube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo">a video on YouTube </a>of Pausch delivering his Last Lecture.of Pausch delivering his Last Lecture. a video on YouTube of Pausch delivering his Last Lecture.
“Randy Pausch was actually delivering an actual last lecture, which makes it so very powerful, especially if you’ve never seen it,” Richards said. “If you haven’t, you should watch it.”
