Temple University Receives Landmark Gift from Alan L. Bess, M.D. ’80

Philadelphia, PA, November 14, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– It was announced today that Temple University has received a landmark philanthropic contribution from Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Health Systems Corporation and founder of StoneBridge Oasis Cinema Productions.

The transformational gift is designated to advance artificial intelligence (AI) research, innovation, and education across the university, with a special emphasis on integrating cutting-edge AI technologies within Temple’s undergraduate programs and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.

Dr. Bess, a 1980 graduate of Temple University’s School of Medicine, said the donation reflects his belief that AI will define the future of discovery and clinical care. The contribution includes funding for new AI research initiatives and the creation of a future Endowed Chair in Clinical Innovation, ensuring long‑term leadership in this rapidly evolving field.

“Medicine and science are converging with technology in extraordinary ways,” said Dr. Bess. “Temple gave me the intellectual foundation to pursue my work in research, development, and healthcare leadership. Now, Kathryn and I want to help equip the next generation of students — both in the college and the medical school — to lead in this new era of intelligent medicine.”

Strengthening a Legacy of Research and Education
Temple University faculty are applying AI to fields ranging from radiology and pathology to biomedical engineering and robotic surgery. Undergraduate programs in data science, biology, and computer engineering will also benefit from the gift, connecting foundational learning to real‑world clinical applications.

“This investment allows Temple to accelerate our exploration of AI’s role in medical and scientific discovery,” said Dr. Matthew Kaufman, Professor of Computer Engineering. “It positions Temple as a national leader in AI‑driven healthcare education and research.”

A Career Built on Innovation
Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess’s engagement with artificial intelligence in medicine began in the early 1990s, when he was involved with various Intelligent Systems Application Centers. His organization assisted research and collaborated with regional research institutions to explore how emerging computational systems could be applied to healthcare and life sciences.

Before founding American Health Systems Corporation and StoneBridge Oasis Cinema Productions, Dr. Bess held senior research and executive positions with Abbott Laboratories, Hoffmann‑La Roche, and Novartis, where he advanced initiatives in Research and Development, Drug Safety, Epidemiology, Quality Control, and Data‑Driven Medical Innovation.

“That early work showed how intelligent systems could enhance insight and precision in science and medicine,” said Dr. Bess. “Those ideas are now transforming nearly every field of healthcare.”

Faith, Philanthropy, and Community
Outside their scientific and academic work, Dr. Alan LeSabintino Bess and Kathryn Bess are deeply committed to community service throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, providing philanthropic support to several local churches and faith‑based organizations that focus on education, health, and family well‑being.

“Our giving is guided by faith and gratitude,” said Kathryn Bess. “We want to invest in institutions and communities that build hope and create lasting impact.”

“The Bess family’s leadership is extraordinary,” said Dr. Kimberly Sautter, Vice President of Human Resources at American Health Systems Corporation. “Their dedication to both scientific progress and community service embodies the values that make Temple University and American Health Systems proud partners in innovation.”

A Vision for Future Generations
Dr. Bess entered Temple Medical School in 1976 as a student and has remained closely connected to the university throughout his career. He hopes this gift will help students from all backgrounds gain access to the tools and training that will define the next generation of medicine.

“Artificial intelligence isn’t about replacing physicians and health care professionals- it’s about empowering them,” he said. “Temple students will be the innovators who carry that power forward into every corner of healthcare.”

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