Editorial
from the editor
Playing The Hand We
Are Dealt
I was browsing through the channels of my television set some time last winter when I came
across Randy Pausch.
I am not a particular fan of TV news shows
like 20/20 or Dateline, but for some reason,
I decided to watch this particular program that
featured Pausch’s story. A professor from Carnegie-Mellon University, he was this likeable, if
not somewhat goofy, character who was talking
about something called “The Last Lecture.”
The concept was, “if you had one last lecture
to give to your students before you died, what
would it be?”
“We cannot change the
cards we are dealt,
just how we play the hand.”
— Randy Pausch
4
2008 Annual President’s Report
It was interesting enough, I thought, to keep
watching. But when I learned Pausch actually
was suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer
when he delivered his “Last Lecture,” my eyes
were affixed to the screen. His humorous humility, with a pinch of Solomon-like wisdom
thrown in, touched a chord inside of me. Seeing
his upbeat – almost enthusiastic – approach to
his fate provided a sobering, life-changing message for me, and apparently for millions of
others as well. His story soon became an international phenomenon, translating into a bestselling book and worldwide fame. His simple
message of hope and appreciation for the most
important things in life was not necessarily
unique. However, the way he delivered it was.
So when we were looking for a theme for this
special issue of Reflections, I was reminded of
Pausch’s message, and decided to adapt his concept. With “The Last Lecture” in mind, we asked
a few graduates to share their “Lasting Lessons”
with our readers. Their messages are poignant
and powerful, and come from a diversity of
perspectives.
In this issue where we honor and recognize our
generous financial benefactors from the past
year, it is appropriate we also show how our
alumni “give back” to our world in so many
other wonderful ways. Please reflect on their
messages, and absorb their words of wisdom.
Last July, Pausch lost his battle with cancer.
His life ended, b