This summer Boise State student and College of Engineering Ambassador, Elliot Gillam will bike nearly 600 miles across New York, not for competition but for a cause. Combining his passion for service, engineering, and community, Elliot is turning his college experience into something bigger than himself.
A Bronco Legacy
Boise State has always been more than just a university for Elliot. It’s been a part of his life story since before he ever stepped in a classroom. “My entire life, we used to go here a ton in the summer, because my dad played football here in the 90s,” Elliot shares. “It felt the most like home.”
Now a third-year mechanical engineering major, Elliot chose Boise State not just for its strong academics, but because it was the right fit. After earning his associate’s degree through Tacoma Community College’s Running Start program in high school, Boise State stood out for accepting all of his credits, and for feeling like the place he belonged.
Making an Impact
As a member of Pi Kappa Phi, Elliot found a purpose that aligns directly with his future goals. The fraternity’s national philanthropy, The Ability Experience, focuses on serving individuals with disabilities, something that deeply connects to Elliot’s career aspirations in prosthetics and medical device development.
“Our philanthropy directly works with people with disabilities,” Elliot explains. For him, service isn’t just an extracurricular, it’s a calling.
This summer, Elliot will represent Boise State as the only rider from campus in “Gear Up New York,” a 560-mile cycling journey from Buffalo to New York City. Over 10 days, participants will stop at Ability Camps along the route, working directly with individuals with disabilities.
“It’s a really, really cool opportunity,” Elliot says. “It gives you this opportunity to represent your school and your fraternity on a national level.” But the journey is about more than the miles, it’s about the impact made along the way.
The Challenge Behind the Ride
Before he even gets on the bike, Elliot must raise $4,500 and complete at least 1,000 training miles. To prepare, he partnered with a local business, George’s Cycles, choosing to represent not just Boise State but the Boise community as a whole.
“I wanted to work with somebody locally, I’m representing Boise, and I think that’s a really cool opportunity.” For Elliot, fundraising isn’t just about hitting a number, it’s about transparency and impact.
“All the funds go to The Ability Experience, nothing is pocketed,” he emphasizes.“You see where your money’s being put. It’s pretty clear where all of it goes.”
Redefining Fraternity Life
His fraternity brothers have rallied behind him, offering financial support and training alongside him. When a national matching challenge was announced, his chapter president immediately contributed to help push Elliot toward his goal.
Elliot hopes his journey reshapes how people view fraternity life. “Being in a fraternity is more than just hanging out. It’s about serving people over yourself. It’s about learning and becoming a better person.”
That mindset is what ultimately pushed him to take on this ride. “Pi Kappa Phi is trying to create this idea on campus of service over self, creating better men through service. That’s why I’m doing the event.”, Elliot explains.
This summer, as he pedals nearly 600 miles across New York, Elliot won’t just be representing a fraternity or a university. He’ll be representing a belief, that leadership starts with service, and that real brotherhood extends beyond campus walls.