UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Katie O’Toole, assistant teaching professor of journalism in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, is the 2025 recipient of the Barash Award for Human Service.
Created in 1975 by the family of the late Sy Barash, the award honors a full-time member of the faculty or staff or student body on the University Park campus who, apart from his or her regular duties, has contributed the most to human causes, public service activities and organizations, or the welfare of fellow humans.
Nominators said O’Toole has been engaged in the Centre County region for many years and has improved the lives of residents through her work with WPSU, the Penn State Forum, Spotlight PA, the Centre County Historical Society and the Mid-State Literacy Council.
“Professor O’Toole has been a servant and a difference maker in the local community for decades,” a nominator said. “Her work is selfless and impactful, and she has been a reliable volunteer and difference-maker.”
O’Toole volunteers with the Centre County Historical Society and the Mid-State Literacy Council. Nominators said she served on both boards but continues to remain engaged. One notable event, the Mid-State Literacy Council’s annual spelling bee, is organized and hosted by O’Toole. It airs on C-NET. O’Toole also promotes the historical society; she’s often the public face of the nonprofit and also produces a podcast, fundraises and plans lectures.
“Since she graduated from Penn State in the 1970s and made State College her home, O’Toole has made constant use of her journalistic skills to advance the cause of both adult and children’s literacy, to educate and to entertain,” a nominator said. “She has, in short, been a constant, sparkling presence in this community for nearly a half-century. In tangible ways, her contributions have made this a better place.”
O’Toole also volunteers with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Spotlight PA and the Schlow Centre Region Library.
“O’Toole is dedicated and committed to her community,” a nominator said. “Many organizations rely on O’Toole, making her a ubiquitous presence in the community. Her commitment is deep and involves fundraising, organization and public engagement for these causes.”
Nominators said O’Toole was instrumental in bringing Spotlight PA to the region. She serves as the newsroom's Centre County Community Campaign Chair, and, in 2023, as the volunteer fundraising chair for the State College Regional Bureau, she helped to secure almost $20,000 in funding. Nominators also said her work led to a $600,000 grant from the Knight Foundation. Part of the foundation’s decision was based on the successful fundraising support Spotlight PA has received from the Centre County community, a nominator said.
“O’Toole’s dedication to Spotlight PA has been unwavering and always with good cheer. She is an absolute joy to be around, and our volunteers, development team, reporters, and leadership staff all owe her tremendous thanks and appreciation,” a nominator said. “We hold her in the highest regard, not just for her generosity but also for her commitment to truth and accountability in our democracy. Katie is undoubtedly deserving of every accolade she receives.”