BISMARCK – Gov. Doug Burgum on Tuesday presented the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Steve Scheel, board chairman emeritus of the Fargo-based sporting goods, apparel and footwear retailer SCHEELS.

Scheel is the 50th recipient of the Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens. The fourth generation of his family to be involved in the company, Scheel became president, CEO and chairman of SCHEELS in 1989. SCHEELS operates the 25 largest sporting goods stores in the United States.

“For your service to the country, for your dedication to creating one of the largest, most successful retail companies in the nation, your extraordinary, generous philanthropic efforts, your support of family and community, your support of countless causes and projects – you, Steve, have proven that the American dream is alive and well and attainable for those that chase it, and you’ve created that American dream for thousands of other team members,” Burgum told the latest award recipient.

Scheel said he’s proud of the company’s employees and culture of philanthropy, adding it’s been a joy to see the difference that SCHEELS stores and people make in their communities.

Matt Hanson, current CEO of SCHEELS, summed up Steve D. Scheels’ legacy in three words: vision, leadership and philanthropy, and noted that each of the company’s 4,000 full-time employees receives $500 a year to give to anyone they feel is in need.

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe and State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson assisted in unveiling the official portrait of Scheel, painted by Minot-based artist Vern Skaug, who since 1970 has painted many of the portraits hanging in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame at the North Dakota Capitol.