LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 4, 2009 — The Walt Disney Company has announced the creation of the Disney Memorial Pausch Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University in recognition of the passion and energy Dr. Randy Pausch brought to his work at both Carnegie Mellon and Walt Disney Imagineering. Pausch is best known for his life-affirming “Last Lecture,” which he delivered to his students and colleagues a few weeks after learning he had just months to live. Intended as a roadmap for his three young children, the lecture included his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously.
“Randy Pausch lived his life inspiring his students, colleagues and co-workers. Now, the vitality and energy he brought to his classroom lives on and serves as an inspiration to millions of people he never had the chance to meet,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “We are proud to honor Randy’s passion by supporting the innovators and dreamers of tomorrow with these fellowships.”
Pausch fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Walt Disney Imagineer in 1995 when he joined the Imagineering Virtual Reality Studio during a sabbatical from his university teaching position. Imagineering, with its collaborative teams of artists, engineers, sculptors and software developers, proved the perfect environment for him. After his sabbatical was complete, Pausch continued as a consultant to Disney, and began nurturing a relationship between Carnegie Mellon and Disney through Imagineering’s internship program. Pausch earned his PhD in computer science at Carnegie Mellon in 1988 and was a professor in Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Department, Human-Computer Interaction Institute and School of Design from 1997 until his death in July 2008.
The Disney Memorial Pausch Fellowship will support two graduate students, one in the School of Computer Science (SCS) and one in the College of Fine Arts (CFA), reflecting Pausch’s enthusiasm for the interplay of arts and technology. His fascination with this type of synergy at Disney led to the development of Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center, a program designed specifically to foster collaboration between technologists and fine artists on projects intended to entertain, inform, inspire, or otherwise affect audiences. The Entertainment Technology Center’s Masters of Entertainment Technology degree is jointly conferred by Carnegie Mellon’s College of Fine Arts and School of Computer Science.
“Arts and technology are two pillars of strength at Carnegie Mellon,” said Jared L. Cohon, president of the university. “Randy Pausch was tireless in his efforts to bridge the gap between them by creating innovative classes and graduate programs, as well as through his own research. Disney’s generosity in sponsoring graduate fellowships in computer science and fine arts further establishes Randy’s educational legacy by benefitting talented students who share his passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.”
To mark Pausch’s achievements, a specially-themed medallion will be placed in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and inscribed with words from his lecture: “Be good at something; it makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.” The unique artistic element is located near the Mad Tea Party (“tea cups”) ride, which was celebrated in a photo that Pausch displayed on his desk, showing his niece and nephew enthusiastically enjoying the attraction.
The relationship between Disney and Carnegie Mellon that Pausch nurtured continues to evolve. In August 2008, Disney announced a major Research and Development initiative to engage top technology universities to conduct research and development for many of Disney’s divisions. Disney Research, Pittsburgh, and its sister lab, Disney Research, Zurich, connect Disney with Carnegie Mellon and other renowned academic partners who have world-class science and technology talent. The labs will engage in research and development on computer animation, computational cinematography, autonomous interactive characters, robotics and user interfaces, among other initiatives.
Trending Now
Get over to BoxLunch NOW!
Let's have a chat about an Oura Ring that Disney Adults just can’t seem to...
Have you seen Disney Visa's newest Disneyland 70th card design?
Going to Disney World alone isn't as scary as you'd think...
This MagicBand+ hack can make a world of difference during your next Disney World trip!
July is here! Can you believe we’re now onto the back half of the year?!...
We know, we know — it’s still summertime, but it’s always a good time to...
There are plenty of airports to choose from when flying to Disneyland!
Here are the park bag mistakes you might make when going to Disney World and...
If you're a D23 member, you can get discounts at TWO Disney Springs restaurants right...
You might want to AVOID buying Disney World Lightning Lanes on these days in July.
Disneyland quietly made this changes, but we definitely noticed.
We tried a new Oreo Tiramisu that we're obsessed with in Disney World!
Grab these discounted Disney gifts online RIGHT NOW!
It's been a topsy-turvy time as far as Disney World's wait times go.
Amazon Pride Day deals are starting, and now's your chance to get Disney essentials on...
Starbucks is about to drop a NEW Haunted Mansion tumbler!
There's a new sweet treat in Animal Kingdom that we were skeptical about, but it's...
This Hong Kong Disneyland breakfast is one of our new favorites!
Let's have dinner at Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort to see if...