A legacy of service, family values, and commitment to the community has inspired the creation of a new scholarship that will support Pensacola State College students for generations to come.
Gene McCutchin recently established the McCutchin Family Endowed Scholarship at Pensacola State College. The scholarship honors his parents and their deep roots in Northwest Florida. Although neither of his parents had the opportunity to attend college themselves, education remained important to the family. Gene’s father was an early supporter of Pensacola State College and lobbied the State to establish Pensacola Junior College (PSC) in the 1940s. A dedicated and successful sales leader, Gene’s father built a successful career with Gulf Life Insurance.
Inspired by the work ethic, sacrifices, and belief in opportunity, Gene chose to honor his parents’ legacy by helping future students pursue meaningful careers. Gene played basketball in high school at Pensacola High. He graduated in 1960, two years behind Ed Moore. He then attended the University of Florida, where he lived in the same dorm hall as Ed Moore. More than sixty years later, McCutchin’s establishment of this scholarship was partially motivated by hearing of the scholarship Ed Moore established to honor his late wife.
Now living near Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Gene continues his lifelong connection to service and education through volunteer work at the National Naval Aviation Museum, where he enjoys sharing military stories and treasured local history with visitors.
When choosing to establish his family’s endowment, his philanthropic vision was lovingly shaped by the people closest to him. Inspired by his significant other’s career in nursing, Gene thoughtfully designed the scholarship to support students preparing for essential, high-demand professions. The McCutchin Family Endowed Scholarship will assist students enrolled in nursing, commercial driving (CDL), aviation and powerplant mechanics—fields that contribute both to community well-being and the strength of our region’s workforce.
For Gene, this scholarship endowment represents more than financial assistance; it is a lasting investment in the future of Northwest Florida. With family members who once attended Pensacola Junior College and Pensacola State College, and with plans to include the College in his estate giving, he views the scholarship as a way to connect generations through education, service, and opportunity.
Its establishment also arrives at a particularly meaningful moment in American history. As the nation approaches the celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th year of independence, this scholarship reflects the enduring values that have shaped communities across the country and lends special preference to students who are active duty, retired military, or family of active or retired military members.
Through the McCutchin Family Endowed Scholarship, the McCutchin family legacy will continue to uplift students at Pensacola State College—empowering them to build careers, strengthen their community, and carry forward the spirit of opportunity.
For more information about this scholarship or to contribute, please visit www.pensacolastate.edu/foundation or call (850) 484-1560.