The parlors in Rowe, Merner, Cline, and Washington residence halls on Pfeiffer University’s campus in Misenheimer, N.C., have received significant facelifts in time for the fall semester, thanks to the generosity of Warren Knapp ’66, Trustee Emeritus, and his wife Fran, an honorary member of Pfeiffer’s Class of 1980 and former women’s field hockey coach.

The Knapps have also made resources available for painting and small repair projects in Merner, Rowe, and Cline Hall, and they’ve supported the summertime transformation of the Francis Scholars Lounge in the Henry Pfeiffer Chapel into a room where the University’s Francis Scholars, commuting students, and others can relax and study between classes in a space designated for them. The Lounge space will also support religious life on campus by serving as a meeting space for small group Bible study and other gatherings.

“Warren and Fran Knapp support Pfeiffer in so many ways, year in and year out. They value education and care deeply about our students, and they really are partners in Pfeiffer’s work. We are so very grateful for their investment in these important campus spaces,” said Jo Ellen Newsome, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

The residence hall parlor updates included the replacement or update of dining tables and chairs, soft seating, and rugs, making these spaces more appealing to current students and their visiting families. The facelifts will also improve the first impression that Pfeiffer makes on prospective students.

The upgraded Francis Center Lounge involved a complete reimagining of classroom space in the Chapel, including new paint and décor as well as seating and other furnishings. The University Chaplain’s office is located next door to the Lounge, and together they will serve as a hub for student activity and a centralized physical space for campus religious life.  

“Pfeiffer has been such an incredibly important part of our lives. We want to help provide an environment that supports a positive experience for the University’s students, and this is one way for us to do that,” Warren Knapp said of the enhancements.

The Knapps did their homework. They worked closely with Pfeiffer’s chaplain, Rev. Kris Mares, Director of Alumni Engagement Ashley Burleson, and Pfeiffer’s facilities staff to determine needs and ensure that the project timelines stayed on track. They toured each of the North campus residence halls and noted what might need an upgrade and where enhancements should be added. Fran Knapp personally selected upholstery fabrics and colors that will be durable and comfortable, and when the furniture shipment arrived on campus, they were on site to ensure that everything was perfectly appointed. “This was a labor of love for us,” Fran Knapp said. “We are so excited that the students who live in these residence halls and relax in the Francis Center Lounge will have comfortable new spaces to enjoy. We imagine that many life-long friendships will be made in these areas.”