NASFAA Mourns the Loss of Cruzita 'Crusie' Lucero
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Cruzita 'Crusie' Lucero, who served for over 35 years in the financial aid profession, including as president of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) and national chair of NASFAA.
Crusie passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.
As her obituary notes, Crusie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Crusie served the financial aid community in many roles over the course of her 35-year career and was recognized by her peers as a trailblazer in the profession.
Crusie served as the director of financial aid at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee, and Northeast State Community College in Blountville, Tennessee. Additionally, she later worked as a consultant for financial aid services.
Crusie's career was also marked by decades of service at the state, regional, and national levels. During 1986-87, Crusie served as the president of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (TASFAA). She was awarded the TASFAA Distinguished Service Award in 1989-90 and 1993-94. She also served as the president of SASFAA from 1992-93, and was awarded the SASFAA Distinguished Service Award in 1996-97.
In 1996, Crusie was awarded the NASFAA Regional Leadership Award. And from 2001-02, Crusie served as NASFAA’s national chair.
As NASFAA’s history recounts, one of Crusie’s main goals as NASFAA national chair was to improve the representation of minorities and achieve diversity on NASFAA’s committees. Specifically, Crusie felt there was a shortage of financial aid professionals from certain regions volunteering for committees, which in turn hampered her efforts to achieve balance and diversity in her appointments.
Her dedication to diversity shined, and within four years, minority participation had increased in NASFAA committees. NASFAA history also notes that during her tenure as national chair, Crusie sought to strengthen ties between institutional financial aid office staff and TRIO personnel, who had substantial contact with minority students.
“Crusie’s commitment to improving minority representation and fostering collaboration between financial aid offices and TRIO programs strengthened our community and enriched our impact on the students we serve,” NASFAA Interim President & CEO Beth Maglione said. “She was beloved by her financial aid colleagues and set a powerful example for advancing diversity and inclusion within the profession.”
Visitation will be held at Tetrick Funeral Home in Johnson City, Tennessee on December 10, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Johnson City, Tennessee on December 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. Condolences and memories can be sent to Tetrick Funeral Home, along with flowers.
Publication Date: 12/3/2024
Jan B | 12/3/2024 10:29:04 AM
Crusie was a tremendous boss, mentor, and friend--someone we all definitely want to emulate! She was definitely a leader in the financial aid profession. Her energetic style and friendly smile will be missed. Thanks for being a terrific role model, Crusie.
Heather B | 12/3/2024 10:8:19 AM
Crusie was always kind to me and encouraged me to be my best. I am thankful for the difference she made for NASFAA, SASFAA, TASFAA, and all the students and families. My prayers are with her family as they deal with a tremendous loss.
Mark B | 12/3/2024 9:30:15 AM
Although it has been over 20 years since Crusie and I last spoke, I well remember her passion for helping others and the tremendous kindness she brought to our conversations. She helped a lot of people along the way and I hope good memories provide comfort to all who knew her.
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