Charles Besser graduated from Marquette University where he excelled as both a student and athlete, playing varsity golf. In 1972, he earned Marquette's prestigious McCahill Award, which recognizes a senior athlete demonstrating excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership. The McCahill Award is named for Marine brothers Robert and William McCahill, with Robert earning a Bronze Star for service in WWII after playing football at Marquette, and William participating in track and field and later leading the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.