Donald W. CARSON

Prof. Carson is the reason I'm working as a journalist today. He took me aside my freshman year and told me not to be discouraged by my grade in his class, telling me "you have a nose for the news" and to stick with it. Seems simple, but it made all the difference. He also helped me land my first job in the industry at the school's job fair, hooking me up with the Casa Grande Dispatch. I've been working in journalism non-stop ever since, have been at the AP for 18 years, and I owe it all to...

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Carson's passing. He was a man of high standards, accuracy, empathy and compassion. When I came in to his UA office in 1973, crying with frustration and fear of failure, he talked me through my issues with great care and concern, boosting my self-confidence. Thank you, Mr. Carson. You will be missed.

I was fortunate to have Don Carson as my professor in several classes. He was a good friend and a great man.

He set a high bar for journalism students and demonstrated the same standards in his own work. As my adviser in j-school he shaped not only my career -- helping open doors to adventures I didn't see for myself-- but he also helped form my view of the world and my goals in life. My deepest sympathies, Susan, et al.

Don Carson put the fear of God into us about accuracy. You omitted a middle initial at your peril. His insistence on getting it right informed my newspaper career for nearly 40 years. I'll always be grateful for his rigor, also for helping an insecure, 27-year-old waitress believe she could actually have that career. Thanks, Carson. Ellie B, class of '77.

I'd still be delivering lost luggage if it wasn't for Don's patience and diligence. Rest in Peace.

Dear Theresa, Mike and Susan, Please know how much we cared about your dear father and were proud to call him our friend for so long. My heart is heavy as I will miss him and appreciate how he inspired me as a journalist and a friend. God bless you and give you comfort.

Thank you for so many wonderful life lessons Prof. Carson. I will never forget you.

The definition of "a life well lived,"