Shannon McGee was a Sociology major and Women's Studies minor in the Colorado College class of 1989. During the summer of 1990, Shannon was studying Islamic women in Egypt on a Watson Fellowship and passed away after an accidental fall while climbing behind the “monastery” ruins at Petra in Jordan.

The Shannon McGee Prize in Feminist and Gender Studies honors her life by rewarding juniors or seniors who have demonstrated a real and abiding interest in Feminist and Gender Studies. More specifically, the award is presented in recognition of the student's active engagement, and activism or leadership, regardless of major or minor. The award may be based on, but not limited to, the student's political or artistic endeavors on or off campus, research, participation in conferences and other related activities intended to enhance the understanding of or commitment to issues related to Feminist & Gender Studies. Such purpose is reflective of Shannon's adventurous and inquisitive nature and her commitment to keeping these issues alive and vibrant.