The Pausch Bridge connects one of the university’s fine arts buildings, Purnell Center, with the new Gates & Hillman Centers, the home for computer science at Carnegie Mellon.

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Randy reminded students that even in dangerous waters, one penguin had to be brave enough to take the first dive. The design of the Pausch Bridge pays tribute to all the “penguins” of the world with abstract penguin cut-outs.


The bridge features more than 7,000 programmable (and environmentally friendly) LED lights. During the opening, the lighting sequences are designed to represent six different visual metaphors from Randy’s book. The light show will run about 15 minutes before repeating on a loop. Sequences will represent these themes:

• Fun with Crayons
• Outer Space
• Make the Most of Each Day
• Be the First Penguin
• The Elevator in Randy’s Room
• Disney and the Circus

More details on the bridge lighting [.pdf]

Credits: Mack Scogin, Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects; C & C Lighting LLC: Cindy Limauro and Christopher Popovich; Color Kinetics, now part of Philips

Carnegie Mellon alumnus and professor Randy Pausch inspired millions through his “Last Lecture.” Now, the entire campus community will be able to remember his impact on Carnegie Mellon—and the world—every time they walk through campus.