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.The newly-appointed executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges wasn't evenofficially on the job yet, but she still got in her stops at the state's19 community colleges.Sheila Frahm, former lieutenant governor and interim United States senator, was in Arkansas City Jan. 31,1997, the 18th stop on her whirlwind tour of the state's two-year public schools. Frahm began her duties ashead of the KACC on Feb. 1Frahm's 2-hour, 15-minute visit to Cowley included a presentation from the college's business and industrypersonnel, a brief question-and-answer session, lunch, and a short tour of the Brown Center for Arts,Sciences and Technology.The business and industry presentation was aimed at Frahm in an effort to better educate her about whatCowley is doing with its partnerships in south-central Kansas. Frahm was told that during the last 10 years,Cowley has increased its business and industry training contact hours from 60,000 annually to 180,000.Dr. Pat McAtee, Cowley president, introduced Frahm to about 40 people who had gathered in the EarleN. Wright Community Room. Frahm was impressed with the growth of the college during the past decade."The growth you've had in the last 10 years of contact hours with business and industry helps people takeownership in their community college," she said. "I'm from Colby, so I'm familiar with the impact a communitycollege has on its service area."During the question-and-answer session, Frahm was asked a variety of questions, including those on communitycollege governance, distance learning, and local funding."I've been concerned about moving to the Board of Regents just for the sake of moving," Frahm said,referring to an effort that, if passed and signed by Gov. Bill Graves, would place the 19 community collegesunder the state Board of Regents. Tm not sure that's in the best interest of everyone. I think the whole ideaneeds to be discussed thoroughly."Educating state legislators on the benefits of community colleges also was on Frahm's mind."My hope is that when we all talk about education, all the players will be there," she said. "We need all165 legislators, all of the Board of Regents, and all of Steve (Abrams') colleagues on the State Board ofEducation in this room to hear the presentation."Frahm said each of the 19 community colleges was different and had its own specialty in how and whatitdelivers to the public."We are a unique group in that no two colleges are alike in the services they offer," Frahm said. "I guessthat's what makes community colleges so valuable to the population. What one doesn't offer, another onedoes and so on."One "slightly used" (105,000 miles) college presidential vehicle, going once, going twice, SOLD for$5,500!The bidding was brisk and the crowd was fun-loving and enthusiastic as support for the first "Sharin' ofthe Green" Scholarship Auction, held March 14, 1997, was overwhelming.More than $30,000 was netted for an endowed scholarship for Cowley students.Groups of friends from around the banquet room at the Regency Court Inn joined together in bidding forspecialty dinners. One picnic for eight sold for $300. Competition also was fierce for used, but repainted,traffic signals that had been converted for household use.Original paintings and sculptures, weekend getaways, trips to California, Missouri, and Colorado,gourmet delights, and lots of merchandise were donated by area merchants and individuals."The imagination and generosity of the donors of auction items was phenomenal," said TerriMorrow,associate dean of development and college relations and one of the lead organizers of the event. "TheEndowment Association truly appreciates all of the donors and the equally generous bidders who made thisauction such a success."