GCU Today April Digital Issue 2018

GCU MAGAZ I NE • 2 7 Mystie Johnson Foote CEO, Banner Medical Group “I’m humbled and I am honored to be recognized. There are a lot of fun memories of the campus. There is a connection here that I don’t think very many other universities share because of the experiences students get to have here.” Dr. Michael Baird Retired Theology professor “It is a great honor to represent the people I have worked for for over 35 years. … I believed in the cause and I believed in teaching.” Cathy Poplin Executive Director, Arizona Technology in Education Association “There was a time we didn’t know if Grand Canyon was going to survive. I’m thrilled that it’s here and is as exciting as it is. Most important, I am glad that it still has its strong, Christian focus.” Eric Rasmussen First Team All-American in baseball “I know I’ve been blessed to have my experience at Grand Canyon —whether that’s baseball or the interaction with people. I miss this place.” while earning a master’s degree. Then God pointed him in a different direction when he decided to go to law school. “I really thought I could make a difference by going through the teaching route,” he said. “God had a change of heart and a change of mind because He turned this completely around. I took the LSAT on a whim, and a month later I was in.” Carter went on to become Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Phoenix and held that position for seven years before he was appointed Chief Prosecutor for two years. He quickly ascended to the civil side, where he was in charge of the real estate division. Through that experience, Carter was appointed to the judicial faculty of the limited jurisdiction courts, handling criminal cases. Carter retired in 2005 and recently decided to serve once a week as a pro tem judge. “Through these years of teaching to law school to the city attorney’s office to municipal court judge – that really shows you God’s humor,” he said. “As a judge you have a chance to make some impact in people’s lives that come before you because they come in already with trouble. So I prayed every morning from the bench for wisdom and sensitivity, and I applied the law as best as I could.” He added half-jokingly, “You don’t want to see me on Fridays.” Faith Weese, Chief University Relations Officer, has known Carter for years. “He is very honest, loving and more emotional than people think because he is a tough judge,” she said. “But under all the toughness, he is a softie. “He is probably one of the most sincere, dedicated and positive people I know. Jim knows that the world changes, life changes but God never does.” While Carter’s professional accomplishments are remarkable, Carter credits his wife, Ginger, for his success and happiness. He gushed about his love for her with no hesitation. “She should have gotten a Ph.T. – Putting Hubby Through,” he joked. “She is dear to me. She is God’s gift to me, no question.” The couple met at GCU when Carter was a sophomore and Ginger was a freshman. They were married by Carter’s bible study professor on March 7, 1957, and raised two daughters. They now have three grandchildren. Carter’s connection to the University remains strong, and his hope is that the generations to come never lose sight of the legacy that was started by its alumni. “We are the root,” Carter said. “My purpose is to represent this University wherever I am and with my Christian values day to day.” OTHER HALL OF FAME THOUGHTS VIDEOON NEWS.GCU.EDU The Hall of Fame ceremony The five inductees (from left): Cathy Poplin, Dr. Michael Baird, Eric Rasmussen, JimCarter andMystie Johnson Foote. photo by slaven gujic “As a judge you have a chance to make some impact in people’s lives that come before you because they come in already with trouble. So I prayed every morning from the bench for wisdom and sensitivity, and I applied the law as best as I could.” — JimCarter