Guide Note

The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams is based on a presentation given by computer science professor Randy Pausch at Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007 a month after Pausch was told that he had only months to live, due to terminal pancreatic cancer. The original talk was attended by 400 students and colleagues and focused on Pausch's childhood goals, lifetime of accomplishments, and advice to others on how to fulfill their dreams.

Pausch died on July 25, 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Co-Author: Jeffrey Zaslow
2. Publisher: Hyperion
3. Street Date: April 8, 2008
4. ISBN: 978-1401323257
5. Pausch has cameo in Star Trek XI
6. Alice Software Project: Founded by Pausch

While the original lecture was well received, it wasn't until the national media picked up the story that Pausch's life and message gained wider attention. Pausch has been featured on ABC News with Charles Gibson, an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show and on a special segment with Diane Sawyer.

1. Be in zero gravity
2. Play in the NFL
3. Author an encyclopedia article
4. Meet Captain Kirk
5. Win stuffed animals
6. Be a Disney Imagineer