Love of vision, love of country: 4 UMSL optometry students earn full-ride Army scholarships

UMSL Daily

UMSL  students (from left) Marie Lulette Fermil, Kailey Utley, Jessica Arnoldy and Jacquelyn Tyra have earned full-ride scholarships from the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program. The four women, recently commissioned at the rank of second lieutenant, will be assigned to active duty – and promoted to the rank of captain – after they complete their optometry degrees. (Photos by August Jennewein)
Jessica Arnoldy, Marie Lulette Fermil, Jacquelyn Tyra and Kailey Utley have each always had an interest in being of service to others – but soon, the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry students will be taking that service to a whole new level.
Thanks in part to their earning full-ride scholarships through the F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), all four women have become commissioned officers in the United States Army.
Each year, the Army offers the HPSP scholarship to students in pursuit of advanced degrees in various medical professions. The award carries a multitude of benefits in exchange for the commitment to service, including full tuition reimbursement, a monthly stipend, officer’s pay during academic breaks and more.
Earning the extensive scholarship is no small feat. The competitive process requires stellar academic performance, extensive background checks and multiple recommendation letters – in addition to the usual physical requirements military service demands.
Upon learning that they were part of the chosen few, the four UMSL students were commissioned at the rank of second lieutenant and committed to serving in the Army reserves until their schooling is complete. After graduation, they will be promoted to the rank of captain and assigned to active duty.
For Arnoldy, Tyra and Utley, serving the country will be a completely new experience. For Fermil, who has already served as an enlisted soldier, the opportunity will provide a chance to combine a new love with an old one.
Jessica Arnoldy, class of 2020
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