The 2008 Most Inspiring Person of the Year is Randy Pausch, the professor who, facing imminent death from pancreatic cancer, delivered a “last lecture” that inspired people to live every day to the fullest and to achieve their dreams. Pausch’s lecture was delivered to a small audience at Carnegie Mellon University, yet it became an internet phenomenon that has transformed lives around the globe. His now-famous lecture, along with related videos, has been viewed by almost 20 million people. Even after his passing in July, 2008, his powerful yet simple message continues to inspire us: “We cannot control the cards we’re dealt, just how we play the hand.”

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