Laurence Kardish, Carleton alumnus and Museum of Modern Art senior curator, was awarded the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 2 p.m. ceremony on Friday, June 11, “in recognition of a distinguished career and learned contribution to film and arts culture worldwide and for his continuing devotion to Canadian cinema and Carleton University.”
For more than four decades, Laurence Kardish has dedicated his life to the world of film, striving to make it accessible to all. Since becoming senior curator 11 years ago in the Department of Film and Media at the MoMA, Mr. Kardish has been responsible for developing new audiences and support for the museum’s film exhibition program, which has gained recognition worldwide. During that time, he and his team have organized more than 60 film and media exhibitions annually at the New York-based museum. In 2005, he was on a panel at the Dubai International Film Festival and also participated in determining the 10 “best” films produced at the Sam Spiegel Film School over 15 years as voted by 60 top filmmakers and curators from 17 countries.
While at Carleton, he founded the first “Cine Club” and was active in Sock ‘n’ Buskin as a director and playwright. Upon his graduation, he received a special award for enriching the university through his extra-curricular activities. Mr Kardish graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University.