Matthew Stephens

Matthew James Stephens, W’52, WG’59, GrW’64, emeritus associate professor of accounting at the University of Pennsylvania, died on July 14. He was 86.

Dr. Stephens grew up in Drexel Hill and graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1948. He earned a BS in economics in 1952, followed by an MBA in accounting in 1959 and a PhD in finance in 1964, all from Penn’s Wharton School of Business. He also became a certified public accountant (CPA) in 1957.

Between earning his bachelor’s degree and MBA, Dr. Stephens served as a First Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War, serving in Munich and Paris. He then worked for Arthur Andersen.

He joined Penn in 1956 as an assistant professor of accounting and a lecturer in accounting and finance. He taught in the Wharton School for 45 years. From 1972 to 1985 he also served as Vice Dean and director of the Wharton Undergraduate Division. In 1996, he retired and become emeritus associate professor of accounting.

While at Penn, Dr. Stephens was awarded the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (1971), the Outstanding Professor Award-Evening School (1977), the Wharton Activities Council Award of Merit (1979) and the Wharton Distinguished Services Award (1985). He served as chair of the 25-Year Club in 1990-91.

He is survived by his wife, Beryl (Obermann); two children, Matthew and Kathleen; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.