Carnegie Mellon University: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has declared Sun., Nov. 20, Randy Pausch Memorial Day in Pittsburgh.
The proclamation praises the late professor and alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University for raising awareness of pancreatic cancer, co-founding the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) and Alice computer programming curriculum and bridging the gap between technology and the arts.
6 comments:
You know, its unfortunate that we go to a school where the Randy Pausch story is kind of suffocating to us. But, if you actually take a second and step back to really embrace the whole story and how it collaborates with the university... it is incredibly motivating. In the past like three years I have read 2 books. One of them being "The Last Lecture" and I was only able to finish it because of how hooking it was. Incredible story that just brings out the hope of your biggest dreams, at a University that has the connections to fufill them. Its a process that lands you in the greatest position to accomplish what you once thought was impossible.
Rane makes a very valid point, Carnegie mellon at the start of the year kind of suffocates freshman with the story of Randy Pausch. I had trouble gaining interest in his story until i had the chance of watching his actual last lecture. seeing such happiness in his eyes and so much visible pride in his work and his students. Randy Pausch is a truly inspirational figure, co founding ETC, making so many of his own dreams come true. One of my favorite quotes that as definitely had an effect on my own outlook specifically to being here at carnegie is "If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself," Pausch said. "The dreams will come to you" Randy Pausch is the perfect figure to look up to for any carnegie mellon student.
Honestly, I enjoy the fact that CMU emphasizes the story of Randy Pausch. I never would have read The Last Lecture were it not for this emphasis. However, my approach to this was to read the book, take what I could from it, and kind of ignore other people's reactions beyond determining whether their views impacted mine. I do however feel that Randy Pausch, especially his contribution to ECT, has an impact on the BXA program, specifically those people who are currently BCSA, as ECT attempts to accomplish similar things.
As a freshman "The Last Lecture" was a required reading for all of us during orientation. It was a huge deal as he died the summer before we began college. The story hit close to home for so many people on campus that year who knew him in one way or another. I am glad we all read the book "together" and were able to discuss it with those that actually knew Randy. He touched a lot of lives and that is very evident still today with the memorial bridge and now this remembrance day.
I probably would never have read "The Last Lecture" if it hadn't been required reading here at CMU, but I'm really glad I did. To see someone live each day with the vibrant energy that he did was practically contagious. It makes you want to make the most of your life when you see how it can be cut so short. I did find myself being proud that I went to the same school where he taught. The legacy he left is pretty much what CMU stands for which is dreams can come true. I admire Randy Pausch and am glad that his legacy will be forever remembered.
I do appreciate Randy Pausch’s story and what his ideas were but I feel that Carnegie Mellon likes to remind us a bit too often of him. But the bottom line is that he is wonderful speaker and writer and he has a wonderful outlook on life. We were given the book before coming to school and I read the whole thing pretty fast. But when I got to CMU I sort of liked it less and less since I was over exposed it.
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