Law & Order producer René Balcer will receive an honorary doctorate from Concordia University, his alma mater, next month in recognition of his work on the long-running NBC legal drama.

Balcer, who attended the Montreal school in the 1970s, graduating with a degree in communications, is executive producer of the show and creator of its spin-off Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

‘Mr. Balcer is a role model for hundreds of our students in film studies, film production, communication studies and creative writing,’ said Concordia president and vice-chancellor Judith Woodsworth, in a release. ‘His success is an inspiration to the next generation of television writers and producers.’

Balcer will receive the doctorate on Nov. 17, part of the fall convocation. He has written more than 180 episodes of the two Law & Order series, earning an Emmy, a Peabody, four Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America, and two Silver Gavels from the American Bar Association.