Tip Top. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee was recently named one of the nation's best community colleges by the Washington-based Aspen Institute. OSUIT is one of only three Oklahoma colleges that made the list, and is now eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The nonprofit Aspen Institute evaluated nearly 1,200 community colleges across the nation. The criteria for the prize include degree or certificate completion rates, labor market outcomes and student learning outcomes. Colleges must demonstrate that they deliver exceptional student results, use data to drive decisions and continually improve over time.

Representatives from the Aspen Institute will conduct site visits in the fall to each of the 8-10 finalist colleges. The grand prize winner and two to three runners-up will be announced in December. The grand prize winner will receive nearly $1 million.

OSUIT received recognition from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for the institution's 9 percent gain in retention over a four-year period, placing it in the top tier of colleges addressing remedial coursework leading to graduation. OSUIT's graduation rate is approximately 33 percent, which is significantly higher than other state community colleges.

Bidding Begins. Tulsa Public Schools held a Neighborhood Connection meeting to regarding the sale of the former Wilson Middle School property located at 1127 S. Columbia Ave, on July 12.

Wilson is among the 14 properties that have been or will be closed as a result of Project Schoolhouse. Proceeds from the sale of these closed properties will add to the projected $5.6 million in savings from Project Schoolhouse and will help the district weather recent cuts to educational funding by the state legislature.

Trish Williams, TPS chief financial officer, and Millard House, deputy superintendent, explained the bidding process as mandated by state law and the general category of prospective buyers that are participating in the bid process for the Wilson property.

The other properties that have been or will be closed as part of Project Schoolhouse include Addams, Alcott, Bunche, Cherokee, Chouteau, Barnard, Franklin, Fulton Learning Academy, Grimes, Lombard, Roosevelt and Sandburg elementary schools, and Cleveland Middle School. Visit tulsaschools.org for more information.

On Your Mark. The OU Club of Tulsa and the OSU Alumni Association's Tulsa Chapter will be joining forces to raise money for student scholarships during the 2011 Bedlam Run on Saturday, July 30.

The event features a 5K, 10K and Fun Run for participants of all ages. The course runs through downtown Tulsa's Blue Dome district and the OSU-Tulsa campus, with the 5K and 10K starting at 7:30am and the Fun Run starting at 7:35am.

Registration is $35 per person through race day. Race day registration opens at 6:30am. All registrants will receive a souvenir T-shirt while supplies last. Participants are encouraged to form teams to represent their favorite school in this historic in-state rivalry series.

Proceeds benefit the scholarship funds of the OSU Alumni Association and the OU Club of Tulsa. For more event information and to register online, visit bedlamrun.com.

Exploring Territory. AAA Oklahoma announced it has assumed primary sponsorship of Discover Oklahoma, a half-hour television show produced weekly by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

AAA's Discover Oklahoma airs on Saturdays at 6:30pm on KOTV-TV Channel 6 in Tulsa, KWTV-TV Channel 9 in OKC, and KSWO-TV Channel 7 in Lawton. It also airs on Saturdays at 6pm on KXII-TV Channel 12 in the Sherman/Ada area, as well as on cable stations statewide throughout the week.

Work It Out. The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative is providing a free opportunity for couples in stepfamilies to strengthen their relationships by attending the "Forever. For Real." workshop. This marriage and relationship education program will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 10am to 4pm at the Stokely Event Center, 10111 E. 45th Pl.

Presenters will teach couples how to improve communication, manage conflict effectively and keep the love and romance alive.

Because "Forever. For Real." is recognized by the State of Oklahoma as premarital education, engaged couples who attend the program together are eligible for a discount on their marriage license. Participating couples will pay only $5 for an Oklahoma marriage license instead of $50. Visit foreverforreal.com for more information.

Planning Ahead. Area artists and craftsmen are invited to show and sell at the upcoming Green Country Wine Festival. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 1 and can be found at stonebluffcellars.com.

Visitors from around the state and around the world come to Stone Bluff Cellars to enjoy the fall colors and scenic countryside at the annual Green Country Wine Festival. This year's event will take place from 11am-6pm on Saturday, Oct. 15.