Montana Western Foundation Announces Gift of Historic Andrus Hotel

The University of Montana Western Foundation is excited to announce that Dr. John Micha, and his wife, Vicki, have transferred ownership of the historic Andrus Hotel to the Foundation.

“Thanks to the generosity and forward thinking of Dr. Micha, the future of the Andrus Hotel will continue to be an important part of our community,” said Phil Willett, Chair of the Montana Western Foundation Board of Directors. “This remarkable gift ensures that the Andrus remains both a thriving local business and a lasting part of Dillon’s rich heritage.”

With this generous donation, the Montana Western Foundation will continue to partner with the Drew Family, owners of Sparky’s Garage, who have now also assumed operations of the Andrus Hotel. The partnership will also allow the university to explore new opportunities for internships, hands-on learning experiences, and academic programming, while also preserving the hotel’s role as a cornerstone of Dillon’s downtown.

Dr. Micha’s longstanding relationship with the University of Montana Western has been marked by a shared commitment to education, innovation, and community success. His goal in making this gift was to ensure that the Andrus Hotel continues to thrive—both as a business and as a legacy for future generations.

As a gift to the Montana Western Foundation, no state or institutional funds from the University of Montana Western will be used in the hotel’s operations or maintenance. The Foundation and their partner will continue to pay all expenses associated with the property.

A dedication ceremony honoring the Micha Family and their extraordinary generosity will be held in the spring. More details will be announced as plans are finalized for the event.