Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation establishes scholarship in honor of John Francis “Frank” Gardner

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Montana Resources, has donated $1,100,000 to the Montana Tech Foundation in honor of John Francis “Frank” Gardner to establish a scholarship endowment to provide full tuition and fee coverage for deserving students at Montana Technological University.

The John Francis “Frank” Gardner Memorial Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to one Montana Tech student each year, renewable for four years. Any Montana resident may apply. Preference will be 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,” said Jon Bennion, Executive Director of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. “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 Technological University (then the Montana School of Mines) with a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering in 1961. He started his career underground in the Emma and Steward mines in Butte, before moving into management and working internationally in Iran and British Columbia. He returned to Butte in 1979 to serve as the manager of operations for Atlantic Richfield. Gardner was the leader at the Continental Mine when it was shuttered in 1983, and was instrumental in facilitating its reopening in 1986 when it was purchased by Dennis Washington and renamed Montana Resources. Gardner led Montana Resources until his retirement in 1998. He came out of retirement in 2003 to lead the company again after 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. “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.”

Gardner remained close connections with Montana Tech over the years, including serving as president of the Montana Tech Foundation. In 2010, Montana Tech honored Gardner with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. The Montana Tech Foundation also awarded Gardner a Distinguished Leadership Award and Distinguished Alumni Award. Gardner also received the Uuno Sahinen Silver Medallion from the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Gardner died in February at the age of 89.

"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. “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."

This scholarship is one of several established by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Resources to benefit students at Montana Tech.

In 2017, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Resources established the Montana Resources Opportunity Scholarship, which was expanded into the Rolin Erickson Scholarship in 2021. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and books for first-generation Butte students attending Montana Tech. Graduates of that program are currently making a difference as accountants, nurses, and other important roles.

In 2024, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Highlands College Scholarship was established to fund three students per year in the welding or automotive technology programs.

Students admitted for Fall 2026 will be automatically considered for the scholarship. To apply for undergraduate admission to Montana Tech, click here.