[Las Vegas Dave]

...the professor who announced the award said...
..."Grades don't mean that much."

Those than can, "do".
Those that can't, "teach"!

Congratulations to you and your daughter.

[Savage Beast]

"Very often those who climb to the top of their tree are the ones who lack the talent to detain them at the bottom."
~Peter Ustinov~

I wouldn't say that the professor is at the top of his tree, but his remarks suggest a lack of talent and a lack of wisdom.