Long and distinguished service to the relevant community is one way to an honorary degree or fellowship, but there are others.
Later this month the University of Wales, Cardiff, will award an honorary fellowship to Glamorgan and Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis, who will have been resident in South Wales for at least three months by the time the ceremony comes round. Don't expect too many local complaints - since the award was announced Waqar has won two matches virtually single-handed.
Look to Swansea, Aber and the others to offer further baubles (a personal chair perhaps?) to keep him on form.