Local post-secondary students are getting ready to head back to school at Stampede Park for classes. In late August, approximately 40 students in the Fashion Marketing program at Olds College Calgary Campus will begin a new year.

“Calgarians are starting to realize that we have a post-secondary institution on Stampede Park and are intrigued to find out more,” says Max Fritz, senior manager, Agriculture. “We’re fortunate to have such a close working relationship with Olds College. It helps to bring diversity to Stampede Park and serves a vital role in connecting urban and rural audiences.”

On the surface, most people would wonder why the school isn’t offering agriculture courses. But the reality is even the fashion industry has a tie to agriculture. “Garment fibres are related to crops and animals,” says Dan Fullerton, Director of Innovation for Olds College. “Students learn in-depth how the two industries go hand-in-hand.”

“The current facility was opened in 2006 and has been a temporary solution to a bigger vision,” says Terry Males, Olds College School of Business chair. “Olds College and the Calgary Stampede plan to refurbish the historic Weston Bakery building into an urban learning facility with modern relevance.”

The new facility will provide approximately 27,000 square-feet of space for classrooms, study areas, offices and great places for students to gather.

Olds College and the Calgary Stampede have a long-standing relationship. In addition to the campus, the college is a sponsor of the International Program and can be found in the Discovery Tent for Ag-tivity in the City during the 10 days of Stampede. They also profile careers in agriculture each year during Aggie Days. The Calgary campus is the only remote facility for the college and will offer Land Management courses in addition to Fashion Marketing in fall 2009.