Bessman Scholarship Endowment

Biology Department at the College of William & Mary

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

Four Biology undergraduates currently receive funding through scholarships from the ALSAM Foundation.

Samuel Bessman's chemistry studies at William and Mary were interrupted by WWII, and he later earned an M.D. He carried out ground-breaking medical research in the treatment of a number of 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 has an active clinical practice.