Bessman Scholarship Endowment

Biology Department at the College of William & Mary

The ALSAM Foundation and the Bessman Legacy

Alice and Samuel Bessman established the ALSAM Foundation to nurture undergraduates into independent-minded researchers. Their funding provides students the opportunity and freedom to develop both independence and a strong spirit of skepticism.

Currently, four Biology undergraduates receive scholarships through the ALSAM Foundation.

Samuel Bessman’s chemistry studies at William & Mary were interrupted by World War II. He later earned an M.D. and carried out groundbreaking medical research addressing genetic and environmental health problems. Early in his career, he developed the first effective treatment for acute lead poisoning. Sam retired as a biomedical researcher from UCLA.

Alice Bessman also holds an M.D. and maintains an active clinical practice.

If you would like to contribute to the ALSAM Foundation and support future independent researchers, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Contributions help sustain scholarships and empower students to pursue their scientific passions with freedom and rigor.

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