Conversation so far:
What was Judi Dench's first honour?
Judi Dench was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1970 Birthday Honours.
What has Judi Dench done to earn the 1970 Birthday honours?
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public servic.
What kind of charity work has Judi Dench done?
In the late 1990s Judi Dench was the patron of over 180 charities, many of which were related either to the theatre or to medical causes.
What was Judi Dench's most succesful charity?
Did Judi Dench raise a lot of money for the charities?
Are there any other interesting aspects about Judi Dench?
In March 2013, Judi Dench was listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50s by The Guardian.
Did Judi Dench win any other awards?
In 1996, Judi Dench was awarded a DUniv degree from Surrey University and in 2000–2001, she received an honorary DLitt degree from Durham University.

Question: Why was she honoured at those universities?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was Judi Dench honoured at those universities?