It’s really a show and tell thing. My uncle got one. He liked it because he only got a bachelors degree and had previously felt out of place when being asked to attend various university functions and being surrounded by people wearing doctoral robes (normally, most people who attain my uncle’s position have graduate degrees… I think it’s impressive he made it without an advanced degree but I guess he felt self conscious about it). The school liked it because they’re a smaller school and would like the donations and presence of someone with my uncle’s wealth and stature in the community.

People who have honorary degrees are generally millionaires anyway…they are accomplished in their own right, or they are very well known academics.

It’s just for showiness, like when Bill Nye the Science Guy got his honorary doctorates even though I don’t think he ever went to graduate school. Not that it matters–he’s Bill Nye.

just an ego trip for show and tell