Three Rivers College recently established the Lori Kneir Memorial Scholarship for Nursing and awarded it to its first recipient, Paula Barnett of New Madrid.
Lori Kneir was born in a small Illinois town in 1975 as one of five siblings. But at age 11, her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cancer, and the day after her 12th birthday, she started chemotherapy. Though very ill, she bravely fought her battle with cancer. During that fight, there was one special nurse who stood out. She stayed beside her and took the extra time to take care of Kneir and bond with her. After a long and hard fight, Kneir was cancer-free! She never forgot that special nurse, who lit a spark in Lori to become a nurse when she grew up.
Cancer was not the only obstacle she overcame on her journey. She became pregnant in high school but didn’t let it stop her. She persevered and graduated on time with her class while raising a daughter. Soon, she got married and had a boy. After being married for nine years, she thought it was a good time to start pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Instead, tragedy struck. Her husband was killed in a motorcycle accident. She was a grieving widow at the age of 31 with two children to raise.
But Kneir kept fighting for her dream. One year later, she met someone new, moved to Poplar Bluff, and started over. She enrolled at Three Rivers and graduated with her associate degree. Kneir enrolled in the RN program and successfully graduated while raising two kids.
Instead of quitting, Kneir inspired her daughter, who graduated with her nursing degree two short years later. After working as an RN for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and then at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Kneir started her next chapter as a travel nurse.
She spent nine years travelling the United States, including island life stops in Guam and Hawaii. Wherever Kneir went, she was known for her huge heart, kindness, and compassion. She was following the morals and values just as the nurse who took care of her so many years ago.
Her life was tragically and unexpectedly cut short by an unforeseen heart disease, causing a heart attack on March 21, 2025.
This scholarship is dedicated to her memory; to inspire more “Lori’s” in the world. Those who will have true care and compassion for their patients and families around them.
Three Rivers students receive more than $14 million in financial aid each year, and all students are automatically considered for more than 280 scholarships by completing the application for admission and submitting their FAFSA. For more information, trcc.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid/.
The Three Rivers Endowment Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization that receives and manages donations on behalf of Three Rivers College. For information on creating or donating to scholarships, building projects, or other college needs, contact the Development Office at 573-840-9077.
