MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile presented its top two student awards, the William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award and the Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award, to Logan Lipke of Orange Beach, Alabama, and Anna Olsen of Semmes, Alabama.
The awards were presented during an outdoor graduation ceremony held May 10, 2025, on the university’s Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn.
Logan Lipke: Talented Composer and Musician
The William K. Weaver Jr. Excellence Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating male senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of the University of Mobile. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service. The award presented to Logan T. Lipke is named for the university’s founding president and is considered the highest recognition possible for a University of Mobile male senior.
An exceptionally talented composer and musician, Lipke is described by faculty as a natural leader who approaches every opportunity with dedication, humility and a servant’s heart. Known as a great encourager, he constantly uplifts his peers and points them toward Christ through his actions and attitude. He is a member of the UM Worship Collective that leads worship each week in Chapel, and he serves on the university’s campus ministries team.
Lipke is generous with his time and talents, tutoring younger musicians in music theory and aural skills, while also arranging music for Christmas Spectacular, performing with the Alabama School of the Arts, and participating in the Young Artists Program and Piano Ensemble.
Lipke graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in music – composition. He received the President’s Scholastic Award and Area Award in Music.
Anna Olsen: Honors Program Servant Leader
The Annie Boyd Parker Weaver Excellence Award is presented to the most outstanding graduating female senior for excellence in exemplifying the mission of the University of Mobile. Selection is made by a secret vote of the faculty based on scholarship, Christian character, leadership and service. The award presented to Anna McKeever Roeser Olsen is named for B Weaver, the university’s first “First Lady,” and is considered the highest recognition possible for a University of Mobile female senior.
Faculty describe Anna Olsen as passionate, intelligent and humble, with an amazing ability to grasp complex material quickly. She demonstrated this as an Honors Program student while completing her honors thesis one year ahead of schedule. She has served as vice president of the Honors Council and was a UM Ambassador, Ram Rush leader, Peer leader and tutor, and chapter president of two honor societies: Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society and Alphi Chi National College Honor Society.
While in college, she participated in mission trips to Salt Lake City, Guatemala and Montana, and assists with her church’s childcare and youth group. She begins her career after graduation as an educator at Heritage Preparatory School in Atlanta, Georgia.
Olsen graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in education. She is an Honors with Thesis Program graduate and received the President’s Scholastic Award and Area Award in Communication.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.