Mayor Yemi presented the 2025 Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award to local real estate developer Steve Schuck during the State of the City event on Thursday, Sept. 25 at The Broadmoor.
“For more than 60 years, Steve Schuck has helped shape not only the landscape of Colorado Springs, but the lives of its people,” said Mayor Yemi. “From building neighborhoods to transforming lives and opening doors of opportunity for students from humble beginnings and underserved communities, Steve’s legacy extends far beyond business. It is my honor to recognize his remarkable contributions, and lifelong dedication to our city.”
Steve Schuck, 90, came to Colorado Springs in 1961 and started his career in real estate development. Schuck Chapman Companies has developed thousands of homes and helped establish areas like Mountain Shadows and Springs Ranch, in addition to developing a variety of projects in Denver, Phoenix and Portland.
Schuck has long been involved in civic life, including his candidacy for Colorado Governor in 1986. He and his late wife Joyce co-founded Parents Challenge in 2000. The non-profit aims to empower parents, regardless of their circumstance, to choose the education they think is best for their children. More than 4,500 children have received privately funded scholarships, grants and mentoring for both public and private schools. Schuck has been instrumentally involved with local and regional organizations such as The Daniels Fund, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC, Penrose Hospital and UCCS.
Mayor Yemi’s Comments
Mayor Yemi shared the following remarks when presenting the award to Schuck at the 2026 State of the City event:
And still one of our greatest competitive advantages has always been our residents and our organizations that strengthen our community. Great cities are not built by one mayor, one administration, or even one generation.
They are built by people who believe in the future of their community; and invest their lives in making it better.
People who plant trees whose shade they may never sit beneath.
That is the spirit of Colorado Springs.
And it brings us to one of my favorite moments of the State of the City: recognizing the people who embody that spirit.
From young leaders and inspirational changemakers to those advancing our Keep It Clean COS efforts and honoring our flag.
But our highest honor is the Mayor’s Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award.
And this year’s recipient is a man who has spent a lifetime building Colorado Springs: Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Schuck.
For decades, Steve has been a visionary business and civic leader, helping shape our city’s growth, and expand opportunity.
Steve is a builder in every sense of the word. But what I admire most is his understanding that leadership is not simply about what we build. It is about the people we invest in and the legacy we leave behind.
But Steve’s legacy isn’t limited to the organizations he supports. I’ve experienced it personally.
Steve, I don’t know if you remember this, but when I was considering running for Mayor, I came to your office seeking your wisdom. You gave me something I wasn’t expecting. A book.
It’s called Political Wives, Veiled Lives, written by your beloved wife, Joyce. And you said, in essence, “Give this to Abbey. She needs to understand the journey she’s saying yes to.”
Steve, you weren’t simply advising a potential candidate. You were looking out for a family. That gesture has never left me.
Steve, on behalf of a grateful city, it is my great honor to recognize you as this year’s recipient of the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.