For Diane Cruze, retirement was a starting point. After a career that spanned news, grant writing and education, the Louisville native decided it was time to cross a lifelong dream off her bucket list and earn a master’s degree.
Now, at 70 years old, Cruze is an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student and award-winning writer studying in EKU’s Bluegrass Writers Studio.
“We encourage our students to embrace lifelong learning, continuously expand their skill set and network well beyond graduation,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Diane’s story brings that message to life, illustrating the power of continued learning and the courage to keep chasing your dreams at any stage.”
After getting her bachelor’s degree in multicultural studies and communications in 1982 from Spalding University, Cruze started her career as a journalist. She worked as a news editor for the Pioneer News in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, and then as a freelance reporter at the Courier Journal and Louisville Times in Louisville, Kentucky.
Eventually, she transitioned from news to education, becoming an outdoor educator and later a grant writer for the Louisville school district.
“I’ve always been a writer,” she said. “I kept writing; it was just a different form.”
Cruze retired from the school district in 2015, which gave her the time and space to focus on more creative writing. She began taking workshops in Louisville and rediscovered her passion for storytelling. When one of her essays was published in an anthology, she attended the Kentucky Book Festival to support fellow writers.
There, she stopped by a table for EKU’s Bluegrass Writers Studio, where she met Robert Johnson, EKU professor and director of the Studio, and learned about the O’Donnell Scholarship. The O’Donnell Scholarship covers tuition for students 65 and older, making the path to a graduate degree possible for Cruze. She applied in 2021 and was accepted into EKU’s Master of Fine Arts program that summer.
“There were days when it wasn’t easy,” she said about starting graduate school. “I had an old computer and very slow internet, and there were times I would have to get off the computer and use my phone for class.” She worked through the obstacles as she pursued her education and wouldn’t let anything deter her from her goal of a graduate degree. One night, she even attended class from her basement during a tornado warning.
Despite early challenges, Cruze quickly found a strong sense of community. Her classes include students from many different backgrounds, which she says enriches her education and helps her grow as a writer.
“It’s been a great experience with people of all ages, from 20 to over 70,” she said. “The Bluegrass Writers Studio is a community, and once you’re in it, you’re in it for life.”
Cruze’s work has also earned recognition. She received the Bluegrass Writers Studio’s Emerging Writer Award for Creative Nonfiction in both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, her essay, “Discovering the Uncle I Never Knew,” was recognized as an Honorable Mention essay in “Proud To Be,” released in November 2025. Published annually by The Missouri Humanities Council and GreenTower Press, the anthology features writings by military veterans and their family members.
Cruze hopes her journey encourages others—especially adults considering returning to school—to continue learning, stay curious and pursue goals at every stage of life. She believes creativity is vital.
“It’s invigorating,” she said. “You keep your brain going if you’re reading and you’re learning and you’re making new friends of all ages.”
Cruze is in her final semester of the program this spring. As she prepares to graduate with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she plans to continue writing and sharing her story.
“My goal is to publish my thesis and get it out there,” she said. “I want to be a role model for others, especially older writers and women. I want to share my story, and I know all my friends and fellow alumni will be cheering me on.”
Eastern Kentucky University’s Bluegrass Writers Studio is a nationally recognized, graduate writing program offering a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing. Ranked among the Best Online MFA Creative Writing Programs by Online Master’s Colleges, the program brings together accomplished faculty and visiting writers to mentor and develop student writers.
By Ethan Sirles