Amy Hochstetler Daubenspeck ’92 didn’t choose Ashland University on a whim, she chose it because it already felt like home.
Raised in the small town of Sugarcreek, Ohio, Amy spent years visiting campus while her older brother was a student. So when it came time to pick a college, she had a choice: the sprawling halls of Kent State or the familiar brick paths of Ashland. “Ashland was more my speed,” she said. “It felt like a place where I’d matter.”
Amy entered Ashland as an English Literature major with a minor in Philosophy, not to become a teacher or pursue a mapped-out career path, but simply because she loved stories, words and the creative space they opened up. “I thought I’d go into journalism, but at the last minute, I changed my mind. I just knew I wanted to study literature and see where it led.”
Where it led was life-changing. At Ashland, Amy discovered more than just a major. She found faculty who invited her in and made her feel seen. Dr. John Stratton asked her to work in the Writing Center, where she helped fellow students draft essays and navigate early computer programs. Dr. Janusko later selected her as a writing fellow, and countless professors along the way poured their knowledge, time and mentorship into her journey. “They gave us their time, their wisdom and sometimes even second chances. I’ll never forget that.”
She found her people too. A roommate shuffle during her first year led Amy to two women who would become her closest friends. Together, they shared a small triple dorm room in Clayton Hall and became known as “the girls of 720”, a nickname still fondly remembered. “That room held more laughter, growth and late-night reading than I could ever explain.”
After graduation, Amy didn’t have to look far for her first opportunity. She’d left her resume with the Career Development Center, and a local marketing agency owner spotted it while searching for a copywriter. “He said he needed someone who could put two sentences together. He took one look at my English degree and gave me the job.”
This entry-level role led to a career rooted in creativity, community and leadership. After a decade in marketing and a chance encounter at an aerobics class, Amy connected with Jayne Cooper, then-President of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. When a job opened up at the Chamber, Amy applied, and stayed. Today, she serves as the organization’s President, where she champions local business, tourism and civic pride.
Now, Amy’s story comes full circle. This fall, her son James will begin his own journey at Ashland University. “Having a University like Ashland in your backyard is a gift. My son can get a top-notch education, live at home and still be part of something meaningful. That’s rare.”
She’s watched him grow into a disciplined student, just like she was. He received significant scholarships, chose to major in psychology and hopes to pursue a career in forensic profiling. But perhaps more importantly, Amy knows he’s stepping into a place that will truly see him. “I’ve been telling him for years, just because you’re commuting doesn’t mean you can’t be involved. Join things. Get to know people. Let Ashland change you like it changed me.”
For Amy, Ashland wasn’t just where she earned her degree. It was where she grew up, found her voice and built a life. And now, it’s where the next chapter of her family’s story begins.
