We believe in The Power of a Dream

We’re honored to share that Speaker Allan and wife Tonie Bense have made a $150,000 gift to support the Gulf Coast Guarantee - a scholarship program that helps local high school graduates from Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties attend Gulf Coast State College tuition-free.

The announcement came during our 2025 Annual Dinner at Hotel Indigo, where Speaker Bense was recognized as the inaugural Alumni Emeritus Award recipient. In a generous twist, he turned the spotlight back on our students - announcing a $103,000 gift that evening, which he and Tonie later increased to $150,000!

“As a 1970 graduate, I can say with great certainty that I never would have amounted to much without that diploma. Ronald Reagan called America the shining country upon a hill. Well, Gulf Coast is the shining college upon a hill in Northwest Florida.” -Speaker Allan Bense

The Gulf Coast Guarantee provides up to two years of tuition assistance for recent high school graduates, removing financial barriers and helping students build brighter futures right here at home.

Speaker Bense’s leadership has been transformational for Gulf Coast State College. His vision and advocacy over the years have helped generate more than $65 million in support for programs, facilities, and scholarships - investments that have strengthened both the College and the broader Northwest Florida community. A respected business leader and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Bense continues to champion education and workforce development throughout the Panhandle.

We’re so grateful for Allan and Tonie’s generosity, leadership, and heart for helping students achieve their dreams. Their gift ensures more local graduates can begin their college journey — debt-free and full of possibility.

Learn more about the Gulf Coast Guarantee or make a gift: www.gcscfoundation.org