René Balcer Awarded Honorary PhD

René Balcer, BA (comm. studies) 78, received an honorary doctorate on November 17 during Convocation ceremonies held at Montreal’s Place des Arts. René began his career as a cameraman, journalist and documentary filmmaker.

In 1990, he joined the staff of the American television series Law & Order during its first season. In 1996, he became its executive producer and head writer. In 1997, the show won its first Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. In 2001, René became executive producer for Law & Order: Criminal Intent , which he had helped to develop. In 2007, he returned to Law & Order as its executive producer. René has won many industry awards and, in 2004, the Concordia University Alumni Association honoured him as its Alumnus of the Year 1993.