NCU Launches Last Lecture Series

Northwest Christian University has recently launched a new program called Journeys. Based on a Carnegie Mellon University professor's final lecture and book, NCU professors are asked to give a lecture as if it were the last lecture they would ever give.

Randy Pausch, professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon, was diagnosed with cancer and on his last months of life when he decided to deliver his last lecture. He had been giving lectures in classes throughout his career and decided to deliver one final lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Sadly he has since died, but his lecture lives on and many have read his book.

Kirsten Madsen, Director of Student Programs, heard about this and decided to implement a series at NCU based upon the same concept. While the professors chosen to speak are not terminally ill, they are asked to come up with what they would like to present to students had they ever been put in this situation. They are not restricted to their area of expertise and are permitted to share any words of wisdom or personal anecdotes they think may be helpful to those who come to listen.

English professor  James Gill was first to speak in this lecture series and was quite honored to do so. His lecture was titled "A Narrative Life" and throughout, he incorporated stories that really stuck out from his childhood. James viewed this experience as a good reminder that we do not need to put a deeper meaning into everything and always seek answers for everything.

His inspiration for his lecture actually came from his oldest son. After being asked to kick off this series, he went home and shared with his family what he was invited to do but that he wasn't sure what to talk about. His son had an answer for that right away and told his dad to do what he always does, tell stories. Realizing this was perfect, he thought of a few memories from his childhood that, for some reason, really stuck out. His combination of stories led to great discussion afterward and made a lasting impression on those who went.