The message was that if something is free, you should only take the best. If, on the other hand, you're forced to pay, it's best to lower the bar and not be so choosy.
I've been waiting more than 30 years to say this: 'Dad, I always told you I'd come back and get my degree. ' I want to thank Harvard for this honor. I'll be changing my job next year and it will be nice to finally have a college degree on my resume!