Presentation of the President’s Medal to
Bruce R. Bent
Bruce R. Bent received his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College of Business Administration in 1961. At only 30 years of age he co-founded the investment banking partnership of Brown & Bent, which subsequently evolved into his current firm, The Reserve Fund, which lays claim to the title of “the world’s first Money Market Fund.” He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of The Reserve Fund. His reputation and accomplishments are legendary. Money Magazine has included him within the listing of the 20th century’s five most significant contributors to modern banking, and he was included in the Financial World Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Banking and Finance. Always willing to share his financial expertise, he served on the Investment Committees of both the Vincentian Fathers’ Eastern Province and the Daughters of Charity of Albany, NY. He was a trustee of St. John’s for more than two decades, chairing the Facilities Committee and holding membership on the Executive and Investment Committees. He currently holds the title of Trustee Emeritus. In 1979, St. John’s conferred a Doctor of Commercial Science, honoris causa, upon him and two years later presented him with the Medal of Honor. This most loyal and generous alumnus continues to support the University through memberships in The Founders Society, The Loughlin Society and The McCallen Society. And he is well known to all members of the University community as the man for whom Bent Hall is named. Tonight, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the worldwide financial industry, his devotion to St. John’s, and on the 50th anniversary of his graduation, St. John’s University pays tribute to a loyal, accomplished and exceedingly generous alumnus and, with admiration and affection, presents the President’s Medal to Bruce R. Bent.
May 20, 2011