[danielf]

Originally Posted by v0id

Well done? She hasn't done anything, she hasn't earned it.
If they're just giving out degrees nowadays, they shouldn't charge any fees for people to study.

It's not a degree (as in an MA or BA) per se. It's an honorary doctorate. Universities all over the world have been giving these out for ages to both academics in recognition of their academic achievements and to members of the public for their contributions to a particular field. It's the academic equivalent of a royal order. And she has done work for it. It's been awarded in recognition of her work promoting breast cancer awareness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorary_degree

An honorary degree[1] or a degree honoris causa (Latin: "for the sake of the honour") is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived the usual requirements, such as matriculation, residence, study, and the passing of examinations. The degree is typically a doctorate or, less commonly, a master's degree, and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution.
Usually the degree is conferred as a way of honoring a distinguished visitor's contributions to a specific field, or to society in general. The university often derives benefits by association with the person in question.