About
For Tricia Cleary Reeves ’99, Carroll College is more than a school — it is woven into the story of her family across multiple generations.
Originally from the Portland area, Tricia came to Carroll looking for an out-of-state college experience with a smaller, close-knit community. She found exactly that during her first “Cruzin’ to Carroll” visit, which her parents, Jim and Cheryl Cleary, helped Candie Cain facilitate for prospective students from the Portland area.
“I loved the family feel I got when I visited Carroll,” Tricia said. “I knew it was where I wanted to be.”
Tricia graduated from Carroll in 1999 with a degree in communications and public relations. While she eventually pursued a career in nursing, she says her Carroll education gave her skills that continue to shape both her professional and personal life today.
“Although I did not study nursing at Carroll, my degree in communications and public relations has served me well not only in my career as a nurse, but in life,” she said.
Today, Tricia lives in Great Falls, Montana, where she works as a registered nurse in women’s health and family practice. She and her husband, John Reeves ’95, have four children: Jacob, Nate, Alex, and Molly. Jacob is a junior at Montana State University, while Nate and Alex are members of Carroll College’s Class of 2029. Alex also plays soccer for the Saints. Their youngest daughter, Molly, is currently in seventh grade.
When they are not attending their children’s sporting events, the Reeves family enjoys spending time with friends, going to the lake, skiing, and hosting family game nights.
Carroll’s influence on the Cleary and Reeves families spans decades. Tricia’s brother, Tom Cleary ’87, first came to Carroll after being recruited to play football. His wife, Jill Jursnick Cleary ’86, also attended Carroll, followed by their son Sean Cleary ’19 and his wife, Kristina Mills Cleary ’18.
Tricia’s sister, Carlene Cleary Turpen ’97, is also a Carroll alumna, and Carlene’s daughter, Emilie Turpen ’25, recently continued the family tradition.
On the Reeves side, Tricia’s husband, John Reeves ’95, attended Carroll, along with John’s sister, Amanda Reeves Mayes ’01, and her husband, John Mayes ’01. Their daughters, Amelia Mayes ’28 and Sophia Mayes ’28, are now carrying on the Carroll legacy as well.
Looking back, Tricia says her Carroll experience was shaped by the same sense of community and connection that so many of her family members experienced.
“I think we all shared the same feeling of community, friendship, and support that makes Carroll so special,” she said. “While each of us had different majors, activities, and experiences, the common thread was the lifelong relationships and strong values that Carroll helped instill in all of us.”
During her time at Carroll, Tricia was involved as a Search crew member and especially appreciated the friendships, traditions, and support she found on campus. She also credits professors and Carroll leaders Brent and Charlotte for helping shape both her and her sister Carlene during their college years.
Over time, the Carroll family tree has grown into an impressive network of graduates and healthcare professionals. Among the extended family are one lawyer, one philosopher, four nurses — soon to be six — three doctors, two future health science graduates, and one medical technology educator.
For Tricia, one of the most meaningful parts of the Carroll experience now is watching the next generation create memories and friendships of their own.
“To have my children attend Carroll is a blessing,” she said. “They have grown up with our friends from our college days and their families, and I am excited for them to find the same lifelong friends and have that special bond.”
She believes what makes Carroll truly unique is the consistency of its mission and community across generations.
“The most special aspect is that the same professors, staff, and warm family feeling could be there over many generations as it was for our family,” she said. “‘Not for school, but for life’ truly sums up Carroll College.”
Her advice to future Carroll students and families is simple:
“Make the leap and get involved in any and everything you can. You will enhance your college experience threefold by getting involved and meeting new people.”
And when asked to describe Carroll College in one sentence, Tricia put it this way:
“Building the foundation from which to build your future starts at Carroll College.”
