The Ace for Science mixed doubles tournament at Notre Dame’s Eck Tennis Pavilion on April 26 raised nearly $8,000 to promote science education in the South Bend Community School Corporation. The event, co-hosted by the South Bend Alumni Association, involved 16 teams.
College of Science Dean Greg Crawford offered an “Ace the Dean” attraction, accomplished by junior Pre-professional major Alexandria Wellman and junior Biological Sciences major Ning Zhou.
College of Science faculty Joe O’Tousa, Kathy Peterson, Mary Prorok, Jeff Schorey, and Mark Alber participated in the tournament. Law School Professor Tricia Bellia and South Bend Racquet Club member Griffin Jacques competed against club professionals Matt Halfpenny and Liz Balanis in a special challenge event.
“They did not beat the pros, but the game was spectacular to watch,” said Margaret Dobrowolska, a physics professor and associate dean of the College of Science, who initiated the tournament to provide resources for local K-12 science activities and programs.
A committee of College of Science and South Bend Alumni Association members will evaluate proposals from K-12 schools to stimulate students’ interest and enrich science education, such as support for field trips or supplies.
GTA Innovation and Urban Adventure Games sponsored courts. Other contributors were Hoosier Trophies; Lexus of Mishawaka; the South Bend Racquet Club; Notre Dame Food Services; Mark Kaneko, head of Penn Racquet Sports; Andy Wild of Babolat Tennis Gear; and Matt Halfpenny.