Knabusch-Shoemaker School of Home Furnishings and Design

The Knabusch-Shoemaker School of Home Furnishings and Design was established in 2002 through gifts from Mr. Patrick H. Norton, chairman of La-Z-Boy, Inc.; friends and family of both Mr. Edward M. Knabusch and Mr. Edwin J Shoemaker; and by employees and friends of the La-Z-Boy organization. Further gifts were made by The Shoemaker Foundation. The gifts led to the expansion and enrichment of the University’s home furnishings program which was begun in 1978. The naming of the School is intended to recognize the lives and achievements of two furniture giants, cousins E.M. Knabusch and E.J. Shoemaker, who founded the La-Z-Boy organization in 1927. The purpose of the endowed fund is to be used to attract and retain top faculty and students, promote marketing of the school, and help underwrite leadership and student programs within the School.