PITTSBURGH -- A pedestrian bridge on the Carnegie Mellon University campus in Pittsburgh was named for former computer science professor Randy Pausch, whose impending death from pancreatic cancer was chronicled in the best-selling book "The Last Lecture."
"He loved to do things in the most efficient way possible. This bridge is actually a real shortcut connecting the upper part of campus and lower part of campus. It will be used by thousands of students everyday," said friend Jessica Hodgins.
The 230-foot walking bridge was dedicated on Friday.
The bridge spans a hollow and connects the new Gates Center for Computer Science and the Purnell Center for the Arts on the campus in the city's Oakland section.
The bridge features a penguin design inspired by Pausch's "First Penguin Award," which was based on the story of the first penguin to test uncertain waters full of danger.
"They called it the first penguin award for a team that tried very hard, but didn't actually succeed," said Hodgins.
A ribbon-cutting and bridge-lighting ceremony was held in front of the Purnell Center's main entrance.
Pausch died at age 47 in his home in Chesapeake, Va., in July 2008, 10 months after giving his "last lecture" on life lessons that became an Internet sensation and led to his best-selling book.
Previous Stories: - May 8, 2009: Yinzer Trek: 2 Pittsburghers In New 'Star Trek' Movie
- July 28, 2008: GMA Remembers CMU Professor Randy Pausch
- May 18, 2008: Al Gore, Randy Pausch Speak At CMU
- November 28, 2007: Report: Dying CMU Professor Strikes Book Deal
- October 24, 2007: Dying CMU Professor Could Live Longer Than Expected
- October 24, 2007: Ailing Carnegie Mellon Professor Reacting Well To Treatment
- October 22, 2007: Dying CMU Professor Appears On 'Oprah'
- September 21, 2007: Dying CMU Professor Gives Final, Farewell Lecture
Copyright 2009 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
