In his first known public appearance on campus since his abrupt resignation at the beginning of the semester, former Dean of Admissions Lee Stetson was seen at the Palestra last night cheering on the Quakers in their loss against UNC.

When approached by a DP reporter at halftime, he would say only that he usually comes to several games a year and that he didn’t think it unusual that he was attending a sporting event on campus after his mysterious resignation.

Former Dean of Admissions Lee Stetson (right) watches Penn play UNC in the Palestra.
Ryan Townsend/DP

Stetson abruptly moved up the date of his resignation at the beginning of the semester, and — in a highly unusually move — refused to explain the reasons behind this departure.

When pressed, Stetson would only say: “I decided to move on.” He denied any other explanation for his departure. This marks the first time Stetson has talked to a reporter as to the reason for his departure.

The conversation was interrupted when a friend sitting next to Stetson began criticizing The Daily Pennsylvanian for its coverage of Stetson’s departure.

The friend, who identified himself as Stephen Smith and said he graduated from Penn in the 1970s, placed himself between Stetson and a reporter, thus ending the interview.

The University has refused numerous requests to explain why Stetson left. Penn President Amy Gutmann has only said it was in both Penn and Stetson’s “best interests” that he leave.

Guest blog by DP reporter Anthony Campisi.

Tags: admissions, Palestra, Stetson

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