CT State Middlesex is pleased to announce that Doug Bernacchi, an Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing (OD&D) student, has been named a 2025 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completing a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Originally from Indiana, Doug faced his share of challenges early on. High school was difficult for him—academically uninspiring and physically limiting after a knee injury. His injury led him to Minnesota for therapy, but instead of returning to school, he made the decision to drop out altogether.

Doug eventually landed in Colorado, embracing the life of a self-proclaimed “ski bum.” While working at a summer resort, he took a government class and learned Spanish, earning the remaining credits he needed to officially graduate high school in 1977.

He then enrolled at Regis University in Denver, starting in remedial classes. By the second semester, he had progressed from remedial coursework to honors-level classes. With encouragement from professors, Doug applied to and was accepted at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

It was at Georgetown that Doug met his wife. After some traveling, they settled down and raised four children—including a set of twins. Doug also attended the University of Notre Dame. After that, his professional journey took him through the financial world, working for Chase Bank in Manhattan and international trading in Chicago, for 15 years. This experience prompted him to enroll at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, earning a juris doctor in 1990.

Moving to northwest Indiana, Doug practiced law part-time and served as a court-appointed arbitrator, mediator and board-certified legal specialist by the American Board of Certification. As a small-town bankruptcy lawyer, he took pride in “helping people when they needed it the most.”

In 2017, Doug’s life took a dramatic and devastating turn. He was involved in a severe car accident—an event that he said nearly killed him and left him with a serious brain injury. Though he survived, he struggled with communication, lost six months of memory and developed dyslexia, among other issues. He had no desire or ability to practice law, given the severity of his injuries.

During his recovery, and after losing his home and career, Doug and his wife moved in with their daughter, first in Virginia, then in Darien, CT, when she joined Yale Health. Despite his injuries, Doug took on various jobs but struggled to keep them.

Doug’s life took another surprising turn when he discovered an interest in eyecare. While working in sales at an optical shop, he became fascinated by the field—also a personal connection inspired by the eye issues stemming from his brain injury. With this new passion, he enrolled in the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program at CT State Middlesex in 2024.

Despite initial struggles, such as keeping up with his professor, Aarlen Aceto, O.D., Doug adapted. He transferred credits from CT State Norwalk, where he had previously taken classes in acting, writing, computers and video editing, and by Spring 2025, is about 60% through the OD&D program.

His hard work paid off as he became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and applied for the New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar award in Spring 2025. In his application, Doug noted his volunteer work and contributions to the Representative Town Meeting in Darien. With the highest score in the state, Doug was selected as a recipient and will be recognized at the Association of Community College Trustees’ Leadership Congress in New Orleans in October.

New Century Workforce Scholars are chosen for their academic excellence, leadership and extracurricular achievements. From 2,100 nominees across 1,300 campuses, only one scholar is selected per state.

Doug praises the OD&D students and faculty as sincere and hardworking, valuing the camaraderie among opticians. He credits the OD&D community’s support for aiding his recovery and success, while highlighting the often-overlooked impact of eye care.

“I surprised myself and excel in most all aspects of life again, earning a 3.95 GPA, and hoping to soon become a licensed optician to help people again, this time with their eyeglasses and vision, when they need help the most,” Doug said, adding that he hopes to work for a volume producer of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

He views this new career as a sustainable and fulfilling path—one he can pursue full- or part-time well into his 80s.

March 2025