Welcome back to The Legacy Family Spotlight, a monthly media feature celebrating the proud tradition of attending Siena where green and gold runs through the generations. For legacy families, the connection to their alma mater runs deeper than just four years. The McCarville family embodies this legacy with their story intertwining with Siena’s in a way that is both inspiring and deeply moving.
The McCarville family’s Siena journey began with Thomas McCarville, Class of 1987, who was one of the first computer science graduates, followed by Brian McCarville, Class of 1992, who studied marketing management. Now, the tradition continues with Brian’s daughter, Jennifer McCarville, Class of 2025. Jennifer was raised on Siena stories, but becoming a Saint herself transformed those stories into a living reality. She reflects, it is in the little moments, like the daily interactions between students and faculty that shows just how clear the community truly does care about one another.
Some Siena connections happen naturally, while others unfold in the most unexpected and meaningful ways. The friars have long been a source of warmth and guidance at Siena. One of the most impactful bonds Jennifer formed was with Br. George, a beloved friar in the Siena community. “During my sophomore and part of my junior year, there were a couple of days a week that I’d get breakfast by myself in the mornings. Coincidentally, Br. George and I would get to Saga (Lonnstrom Dining Hall) at the same time. He walked up to the table I was sitting at and asked if he could join me. After a while, this became a pattern and something I looked forward to. We'd chat about everything from pop culture to fond memories, and I found comfort in our interactions when I was struggling.” Jen spoke at Br. George’s farewell celebration before his move to California. When she concluded all the emotions hit at onc and she shed a few tears while hugging him goodbye. This was because in the Siena way, Br. George was more than a friar. They became the closest of friends.
Jen’s connection to Siena didn’t begin on move-in day. Since 2017, Jennifer has sung the national anthem at men’s and women’s basketball games. Her voice doesn’t just echo through the gym, it resonates with the heart of the Siena community, binding her and her family even closer to their beloved alma mater.
Today, Jennifer is making her own mark on Siena studying communications and marketing with a minor in women’s gender and sexual studies. She embraces every opportunity to give back to the community that has given her so much. She is actively involved on campus as a Peer Career Advisor with the MacDonnell Career and Internship Center and as an Event Coordinator with Student Nightlife, along with being an intern for the Development and Alumni Engagement Office. Her father, Brian, works as the Lead Maintenance Technician at Loudon Arms Apartments, and her uncle, Thomas, is currently seeking an Enterprise Software Product Management position.
The McCarville family’s legacy at Siena is one built on strong connections, shared experiences, and a deep appreciation for the community that makes Siena so special. With Jennifer carrying on the family tradition, the Siena story of the McCarvilles is far from over. It's simply the next chapter in a history that continues to grow.