Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation establishes scholarship in honor of Frank Gardner – NBC Montana
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by NBC Montana Staff
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MISSOULA, Mont. — The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, in partnership with Montana Resources, has donated $1.1 million to the Montana Tech Foundation to establish the John Francis “Frank” Gardner Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The fund will cover full tuition and fees for one Montana Tech student each year, renewable for four years, with preference given to Butte students majoring in mining or geological engineering.
Gardner’s family issued the following statement, “On behalf of the entire Gardner family, we would like to thank the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for establishing this incredible endowment. It is a forward-thinking act of generosity that goes beyond the here and now. Frank would be honored and proud to leave such a legacy in Butte. His love of his hometown, Montana Tech, and its hardworking people will now ensure future generations continue to Tap ‘er Light!”
“The Washington Family wanted to make sure there was a fitting tribute in Frank Gardner’s name that would provide opportunity for Montana Tech students for decades to come,” Executive Director of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Jon Bennion said in a press release. “Frank’s work and life exemplified so many of the values at the heart of Montana Resources and the Foundation, including hard work, resilience, and love of community.”
Gardner graduated from Montana Tech in 1961 and began his mining career in the Emma and Steward mines in Butte. After working internationally, Gardner returned to Butte in 1979 as manager of operations for Atlantic Richfield. He oversaw the Continental Mine when it closed in 1983 and played a key role in reopening it three years later under new ownership by Dennis Washington, when it became Montana Resources. Gardner led the company until his retirement in 1998, then returned in 2003 to guide operations again following another shutdown.
“Every current and former employee of Montana Resources owes a debt of gratitude to Frank’s vision and leadership,” Vice President of Safety for Montana Resources Mike McGivern said in a press release. “His unwavering commitment to preserving Butte’s mining legacy ensured its continuation beyond 1982—when it might otherwise have ended. Frank was a true legend in the industry, deeply proud of his Butte roots and a passionate supporter of Montana Tech.”
This scholarship is one of several established by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Resources to benefit students at Montana Tech.
"On behalf of Montana Tech, I'd like to express our deep appreciation for the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation,” Montana Tech Chancellor Johnny MacLean said in a press release. “Their long-lasting support for students from hard-working families and communities has changed countless lives. We're thrilled that this endowed scholarship will help future Orediggers follow in Frank Gardner's footsteps as they become our next generation of STEM leaders and determined doers. This investment in our students' future provides renewable, 4-year scholarships, which only increases the impact. Thank you to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and the Gardner family."
Students admitted for Fall 2026 will be automatically considered for the scholarship. To apply for undergraduate admission to Montana Tech, click here.
