OCTC Awards DePasquale, Bristow, & Hagan, Accessibility Service Awards

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (01/21/2025) — The Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) Accessibility Services Awards recognize faculty and staff members who are dedicated to meeting students' needs. Selected through nominations to the Counseling Center, these annual awards were presented on December 13, 2024.

OCTC has named Associate Professor Donna DePasquale as the recipient of the Accessibility Services Faculty of the Year Award, while John Bristow and Lauren Hagan share the Staff of the Year Award recognition.

Faculty Accessibility Services Award Recipient

DePasquale, who serves as the Mathematics program coordinator, earned the faculty award for her exemplary commitment to inclusive teaching practices and student success. She distinguished herself through swift implementation of accommodation requests and proactive advocacy for students with unique needs, creating a supportive and empowering classroom environment.

A Kentucky native from Gallatin County, DePasquale joined OCTC in 2013 and currently holds the rank of Associate Professor. She earned her Master of Science in Mathematics from Western Kentucky University and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Morehead State University. Currently pursuing an associate in applied science degree in Engineering and Electronics Technology with anticipated completion in May 2026, she also serves as OCTC's Rules Senator and holds certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Industrial Electrician Level I.

Staff Accessibility Services Award Recipients

The Staff Accessibility Services Award recognizes Bristow and Hagan for their outstanding contributions to the Career and Life Skills (CLS) program, which prepares students for successful adult life transitions through inclusive higher education. Their impact extends beyond traditional classroom instruction in courses such as Employment and Professional Skills and Career and Life Skills Development.

A highlight of their innovative approach was organizing a student-led churro sale during Spring Fling, providing hands-on entrepreneurial experience while teaching community service through the donation of proceeds to the Pathfinder Pantry.

John Bristow is an Owensboro native who joined OCTC at the beginning of 2020 as a member of the Experiential Learning Center(ELC). He expanded his support through his work as a VA School Certifying Official and serving our military-connected students. He has a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor's Degree from Excelsior University in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Chinese studies. He is the Secretary for the Owensboro Area World Affairs Council (OAWAC).

John loves to spend his time with his wife, Nancy, and their grandson, John. He also likes racing canoes, music, reading, swimming, and exploring his artistic endeavors.

Lauren Hagan, a native of Philpot, Kentucky, began her career at OCTC in 2019 as an advisor in the Counseling Center. After a brief tenure at Kentucky Wesleyan College, she returned to OCTC in 2021 as a Success Coach for the Experiential Learning Center (ELC) and now serves as a Success Coach Advisor in the Pathfinder Den.

An OCTC alumna herself, Hagan completed dual credit courses and earned her associate in arts degree before transferring to Western Kentucky University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education.

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