Proceeds to benefit a new scholarship fund at the University of Arkansas exceeded expectations last weekend as nearly $1,700 was raised for the George S. Denny Memorial Scholarship fund.

The College of Education and Health Professions organized the George Denny Memorial Racquetball Tournament in honor of the professor of educational statistics and research methods who died of a heart attack in June. Denny, 55, was an avid racquetball player, and several of his friends and colleagues took part in the matches played Saturday at the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building.

Denny’s youngest of five children, Charles, a senior at the U of A, played in the tournament, and Denny’s widow, Heather, presented trophies to the winners of four divisions.

Organizers set an informal goal of about $1,000 from the tournament and were pleased to see that amount exceeded. Several people made contributions without playing in the tournament, and others contributed amounts higher than the entry fee. The first scholarship will be awarded in the spring to a doctoral student.

“George is smiling,” said Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions.

As an expert in statistical analysis, Denny served on numerous doctoral committees as well as helping many other graduate students and fellow professors on the U of A campus and other college campuses with their research analysis.

Denny joined the faculty of the College of Education and Health Professions in 1991. He published numerous research papers over the years and won many awards for his work. He won the college’s STAR award in May for outstanding all-around faculty member.

The family established the scholarship fund after Denny’s death, and the college is working on plans to take the account to the endowment level within the next few years. Contributions may be made by visiting the online giving website.

Winners in the tournament played Dec. 14:

• Gold level – Pawel Wolinski, first place; Calvin Godwin, second place; Wayne Buescher, third place
• Silver level – Jon Mills, first place; Teresa Turk, second place; Charles Denny, third place
• Bronze level – Jay Greene, first place; Ronna Turner, second place; Albert Cheng, third place
• Couch potato (or novice) – Nathan Buescher, first place; Colyn Ritter, runner-up

Prizes were donated by Hupp Hardware in Wichita, Kan., owned by Denny’s sister, University Recreation, Flying Burrito, Gary Ritter, University Bookstore and Jimmy Johns. Jennifer Steiner donated cinnamon rolls.