Estate Gift Reflects Wright’s Passions
ASHLAND – Dr. Julia Wright was an Ashland County resident who lived with a charitable heart, and fully devoted to making the community she called home the best it could be. These efforts to positively impact Ashland did not end with her passing in 2024.
Wright’s generous gift bequeathing three endowments in areas in which she was passionate will positively impact the community for generations to come. These funds were recently established upon the settlement of Wright’s estate.
One fund will benefit women in the community, another supports the Ashland Symphony, and a scholarship fund – named for Wright, her mother, and grandmother – is for those studying education at Ashland University.
“We will ensure these funds are managed effectively, and they will be sure to make an impact on areas of the community that were important to her,” said Kristin Aspin, Chief Operating Officer/CEO-Designate.
These funds reflect the passions Wright held dear: children, education, and women’s empowerment and success, according to her close friend Ann Hobart.
“She loved children, was passionate about education, and loved Ashland,” she said.
Julie, as the family affectionately knew her, was a college roommate and best friend of Hobart’s mother, Mary Jean. When Wright’s mother moved to South America, Wright visited Mary Jean’s parents for holidays, and they became her extended family, according to Hobart.
Living a modest life, saving and planning for the future, and leaving a legacy so children and their education would benefit was always important to Wright.
“Julie wanted every child to have the opportunity to learn and have an education,” Hobart said.
Hobart said Wright’s favorite project was the Bookcase Project, to combat illiteracy. Many Ashlanders remember Wright as “The Bookcase Lady” after she spent years creating and nurturing the Ashland Bookcase Project, where hundreds of specially made bookcases full of books were distributed to local children. Over 10 years strong, this program continues today.
Wright’s impact extended to the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. She was instrumental in raising money for the ASO, where she served on the board of directors for 10 years, and served as vice president. Additionally, she served and presided over the ASO’s Women’s League, leading the spring luncheon, style show and DAZZLE, a holiday bazaar.
At the Rotary Club of Ashland, she served a term as president and also served on ACCF’s Women’s Fund Steering Committee. Her work in the community earned her the Dr. Lucille G. Ford Freedom from Selfishness Award, given by the Women’s Fund Steering Committee to those who demonstrate a long-standing commitment to philanthropy in Ashland County.
“Your passion becomes your legacy when you serve others, be the person God has called you to be, and do what you love. Your contribution to Ashland is immense,” said Dr. JoAnn Ford Watson of her good friend, upon Wright’s recipient of the award.
She recently expanded upon her friend’s legacy by adding: “With her heart of love and her spirit of determination to serve others, Julia has left a beautiful and fruitful legacy of her life through her generous gifts to the Ashland County Community Foundation. Her legacy exemplifies her passion to work for the betterment of women and children, the advancement of educational opportunities for young people and the flourishing of music and the arts in the Ashland Community and Ashland University.”
Wright’s impact has been felt far and wide throughout her life and career.
“Julie’s legacy is going to go on because of how thoughtful she was,” Hobart said.
She described Wright as a strong person, with a strong mother. Born in Alliance to William H. and Mary (Burress) Wright, she majored in art education at Miami University. She spent 12 years teaching art in Dayton, Stuttgart, Germany and Chofu, Japan before receiving her Master of Science in guidance and counseling at Indiana State University, inheriting her love of travel from her mother.
After receiving her Ph.D in school psychology at The Ohio State University, Wright contributed much to the field of psychology, both professionally and through ties with various boards and organizations. Her contributions to her field earned her numerous accolades and awards.
“We are extremely grateful for Julia and her thoughtful foresight to include the Foundation in her estate planning,” said CEO/President Jim Cutright. “This generous gift will benefit so many people in the areas in which Julia was passionate.”
To learn more about how you can benefit your community and causes for which you are passionate about through your estate plan, contact Cutright at (419) 281-4733 or cutty@ashlandforgood.org.
About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $38 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.
