Why Bob Lent ’64, J.D ’66, P ’99 keeps the bell ringing
Learn more about William & Mary’s longest consecutive donor
May 15, 2026
By
Morgan Maddocks
and
Savannah Martin
When Robert “Bob” Lent ’64, J.D. ’66, P ’99 made his first gift of $5 to William & Mary in 1966, he had no idea it would mark the beginning of a remarkable legacy, one that would make him the university’s longest consecutive donor. In fact, when asked what his first gift supported, he admits he can’t recall. What he does remember, however, is the profound impact William & Mary has had on his life.
Bob recalled how grateful he was to receive a $2,000 scholarship to the law school, which covered everything at the time, and how special it was to visit Dean Woodbridge’s house when he was offered the scholarship. Coming from a small town in New Jersey, Bob knew that his parents would not have been able to afford to continue funding his education and was ecstatic to have this opportunity. The Alma Mater of the Nation laid the foundation for his future. It equipped him to pass the CPA and New Jersey Bar exams on his first try and prepared him for a long career as a CPA.
Perhaps most meaningfully, it led him to meet the woman who would become his wife, Bonnie Robertson Lent ’67, P ’99. Bob and Bonnie built a beautiful life together and have two children, Carey Lent and Jennifer Lent ’99. They were married for 51 years until Bonnie passed away from ovarian cancer in 2018.
Giving back, he says, is both a responsibility and a privilege, a way to honor an institution that has given him so much.
Since that first gift, Bob has expanded his support to include the Accounting Program at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, various Athletics programs, W&M Law School, Varner Scholarship, Paledes Scholarship and the Art & Art History program, the latter being the field of study of his late wife, Bonnie.
The Wren Bell stands as a symbol of William & Mary’s enduring legacy, and through nearly 60 years of consecutive giving, Bob has helped keep it ringing by supporting the areas of campus he cares about the most.
As one of the many dedicated members of William & Mary’s Bell Society, which recognizes the university’s most loyal supporters, Bob’s steadfast generosity provides students and faculty with the resources they need to thrive, helping ensure that the spirit of William & Mary endures for generations to come.