Are Honorary Degrees Earned?

It was commencement weekend and like all other schools we were honoring people with honorary degrees. Karl Mattson, our longtime chaplain and founder of Gettysburg College's Center for Public Service was so honored. Barbara Ehrenreich was supposed to be, but was unfortunately unable to attend at the last moment. Both wonderful people who have made a difference in the world.

It brings to mind words of a colleague who commented that honorary degrees are the only degrees granted, but not earned. Is this true?