In a world of rapid and profound change, KI students are ready for whatever comes their way.
The world today is markedly different than it was in 2008, the year Knowledge Integration was founded at the University of Waterloo. Over the past 15 years, the pace of change has accelerated, driven by rapid advancements in technology, shifting geopolitical orders, economic volatility, and an intensifying climate crisis. These changes bring with them profound challenges, and where we go from here depends on our ability to work together.
More than ever, we need people who can address the ‘wicked’ problems we face – people who are adept at bringing together diverse perspectives, skilled at designing equitable and sustainable solutions, and driven to make a positive difference. Knowledge Integration has played a vital role in educating exactly these sorts of people. We are proud to celebrate 15 years of preparing our graduates to shape a better world.
As Chair of the KI department, I believe we offer something of extraordinary value to ‘multi-passionate’ people with a broad range of interests and a thirst for knowledge. KI attracts students who are unafraid to take risks. In turn, KI provides a matchless opportunity for these individuals to become thoughtful and engaged members of society. Whether highlighting the environmental impacts of overconsumption, equipping communities to combat food insecurity, or tackling the epidemic of loneliness, KI students have demonstrated their ability to effect positive change. They enter the world, and the workplace, with an appreciation for diverse ways of knowing and empathy for others.
As KI’s name indicates, the program goes beyond imparting knowledge. Students don’t simply learn what to think, they learn how to think – and how to fruitfully integrate knowledge. KI is the 21st century’s renaissance education. It recaptures and reconfigures the traditional liberal arts and science education to serve students who want to confront the world’s most pressing problems. In this age of specialization, we need people who possess the depth and breadth of knowledge to build connections across disciplines. They must be scientifically literate while also capable of assessing thorny ethical and social issues. They need to know how to think critically, communicate effectively, and work with others to understand problems and design solutions. KI helps students achieve all these goals.
The program’s flexibility allows students to chart their own paths. Our core courses provide students with a strong foundation, while electives give students the freedom to pursue their passions and build expertise in areas that excite them. For those still figuring out their path, KI offers the freedom to discover it with the support of dedicated faculty and staff. Students graduate with a degree that is truly interdisciplinary. In contrast to an education that includes two or more separate disciplines, KI transcends disciplinary boundaries and blends together different knowledge traditions. The result is a unique curriculum that allows students to design their education while ensuring they’ve acquired transferable skills.
But KI is more than its curriculum – it’s a vibrant, close-knit community. Our small cohorts allow students to form meaningful connections with peers, professors, and alumni. This network of support continues long after graduation, helping students thrive as they build their future. The results speak for themselves. KI graduates excel in a wide range of careers and post-graduate programs. They’ve pursued advanced studies at universities around the globe, from Canada to Switzerland to the UK, in fields as diverse as medicine, law, education, and environmental science. Others have moved directly into meaningful careers, making their mark in industries such as business, tech, and public policy.
KI’s 15th anniversary brings a welcome opportunity to celebrate these accomplishments.
To our alumni, I want to express my deepest gratitude and admiration. Your successes illuminate the power of a KI education and inspire those who follow in your footsteps. To our current students, I thank you for your passion, creativity, and determination to make a difference. You are the heart of our community and the reason we continue to thrive. To those considering KI, I invite you to imagine an education where you’re encouraged to think outside the box and empowered to shape the future. Imagine being part of a community that supports you, challenges you, and prepares you not just for a career, but for a meaningful life. That’s the promise of KI.
The future will be shaped by people who can integrate knowledge in all its forms. I am confident KI grads will be among those leading the way.
Dr. Katie Plaisance, Chair