Darrow Receives Alumni Award From Adrian College

September 29, 2016  by Jane Chero in Industry, Special Events   

Darrow, a 1977 graduate, was recognized last weekend at the Adrian College Alumni Awards Ceremony in Dawson Auditorium and during the Homecoming football game pre-game introductions.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be selected for Adrian College's 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award. The Darrow family has had a deep relationship with Adrian College as my two siblings and I are all alumni of this great institution,” said Darrow. “While Adrian College is a much different campus than when I attended, the values, academic excellence, nurturing environment and religious influence which attracted me to the school are still very much alive today.”

He has been La-Z-Boy’s CEO since 2003 and has worked for the company since 1979.

Among the career accomplishments cited by the college was the rapid expansion and evolution of the company’s branded distribution system into one of the largest in the furniture industry. Part and parcel to that was the development of La-Z-Boy’s Integrated Retail model, a key component of the company’s growth strategy.

He also initiated a brand repositioning effort, beginning with the award-winning “New Look of Comfort” campaign, which progressed through several advertising platforms into today’s successful “Live life comfortably” campaign, featuring spokesperson Brooke Shields.

Darrow also was cited for his numerous contributions to the furniture industry, including stints as chairman of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and president of the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation.

In 2009, the college awarded him an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Humane Letters) and he gave the commencement address to that year’s graduating class.  He also served on the college’s Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2011.