Joel York (’01) remains a front-row Bronco

Joel York was the kind of Boise State student who arrived early to football games to claim a front-row seat. He spent warmups cheering on the Broncos and exchanging playful banter with opposing teams - a tradition that remains one of his favorite memories from his time on campus.

York graduated in December 2001 with a degree in mass communications and journalism and a minor in marketing. After graduation, he worked for Coca-Cola in Boise before joining Michelin in 2005. Today, he serves as an enterprise account specialist, managing some of Michelin's most strategic customers across the United States and Canada.

Despite living out of state, York has remained deeply connected to Boise State and Bronco athletics. In 2020, concerned about the financial impact that reduced game attendance would have on Boise State athletics, he launched the Blue Collar Club to help everyday fans support student-athletes.

The idea was simple: give what you can, make it consistent and invite others to do the same. York worked with the Bronco Athletic Association to create an account he could share with fans across the country, many of whom had never donated to a university before but wanted to support the Broncos in a meaningful way.

"I wondered what good I could do as one person, giving $20 a month," he said. "It seemed like that wouldn't be much help. But if I could get a bunch of folks in my same position across the country to give that much, it could have a big impact."

And he was right. What began as a grassroots effort has grown to nearly 150 members nationwide who have collectively contributed more than $170,000.

For York, however, the impact goes beyond the numbers. When he attended Boise State, the university's tagline was "real education for the real world." He believes that promise delivered.

"Boise State provided me with a great education that I have used in my sales career to advance again and again," he said.

York also values the role the university plays in developing students who go on to strengthen communities.

"Many of the student-athletes that Boise State develops turn into community members of the Treasure Valley," he said. "I want to continue to help with that development during their college years."

More than two decades after graduation, York remains connected to Boise State for the same reason he values his career success - the opportunity to help others along the way.

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