Throughout her four years, Claire McConnaughey has been involved in a wide range of activities. She was a member of the Club Tennis Team and volunteered as a math coach for the Let’s Get Ready program that helps underprivileged students prepare for the SATs. She also served on the executive board of the Up ‘Til Dawn letter writing campaign, which raises money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

However, McConnaughey’s biggest commitment was cut short this fall when her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta), lost their national charter and Colgate’s recognition. Until then, McConnaughey had been very involved in the sorority. From December of 2007 to October of 2008 she served as the Vice President of Development and as such was responsible for collaborating with a national advisor to ensure that all of the members of the chapter were meeting standards. McConnaughey was also Membership Development Committee chair.

“I met people I wouldn’t normally have met,” McConnaughey said, “It really impacted my four years.”

She noted that being involved in a Greek organization made her more involved on campus and encouraged philanthropy. Even knowing how it ended, McConnaughey said that she would “definitely” do it all over again.

A Behavioral Neuroscience Major, McConnaughey is not sure what she will be doing next year; graduate study or entering the workforce are both possibilities. Last semester, McConnaughey and her partner conducted research on the 2D:4D ratio, which controls sexually dimorphic traits and its relation to infidelity types in men and women. McConnaughey and her partner found significant results.

Something a bit easier to understand is McConnaughey’s love of Colgate. Unlike many of the students here, McConnaughey chose not to spend a semester abroad and truly appreciates the extra time that she had on campus.

“I valued every one of my eight semesters here so much that I don’t regret not going abroad.”

As she nears the end of her time at Colgate, McConnaughey appreciates the time she spent here even more. She will miss the close bonds she has made and says that it is hard to imagine not being here. And so for her remaining days at Colgate, McConnaughey will be taking advantage of everything it has to offer.

“I definitely want to make the most of my last few weeks here.”