The article never spelled it out, but he likely was properly granted the degree. He simply made a public show about not accepting the piece of paper. In the end

The article never spelled it out, but he likely was properly granted the degree. He simply made a public show about not accepting the piece of paper. In the end he suggests that he "will not use this degree to get a job" or something to that effect. Meaning that the degree has, in fact, been conferred.