McHenry County College (MCC) recently announced Bob Mihelich as its 2026 Faculty Member of the Year and Olivia Ridge as its 2026 Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year. The award recipients, selected by peers, are chosen based on their commitment to teaching, contribution to the college community, and professional development.
Bob Mihelich has taught full-time at MCC for 17 years, helping students build the hands-on skills needed to succeed in ever-evolving technical fields. He teaches across multiple disciplines within applied technology, including architectural technology, construction management, engineering technology, and advanced manufacturing.
“I am fortunate to teach at MCC, and the work we are doing truly matters for the community,” Mihelich said. “This recognition reflects the intentionality our department and division has put into our curriculum development and delivery. It represents all of our hard work in career and technical education.”
Mihelich brings extensive real-world experience to the classroom, having previously worked as an architect in the Chicagoland area and as a transportation planner for McHenry County. His teaching emphasizes hands-on, career-focused learning.
“All the curriculum we teach is directly related to the work students will perform professionally,” he said. “The goal is to prepare students with skills they can apply immediately and adapt over time.”
Beyond the classroom, Mihelich has served as chair or co-chair of the Applied Technology Department for 13 years and currently leads the Curriculum Review and Development Standing Committee. He is also active statewide through his involvement with the Illinois Design Educators Association.
Olivia Ridge, who has taught at MCC for three years, is known for creating an engaging and supportive photography classroom where students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and build confidence in their creative voice.
“Representing MCC as Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year is a great honor,” Ridge said. “One of the best parts of my job is how much fun I genuinely have in the classroom. This award feels like a meaningful validation of the environment I strive to build with my students.”
Ridge teaches photography with a focus on both digital and darkroom techniques. Her classes emphasize hands-on learning, collaboration, and creative exploration, often incorporating interactive projects that bring students’ ideas to life.
“I want students to leave my classes with both technical confidence and a stronger sense of their own creative voice,” Ridge said. “My goal is to help them use photography to tell stories, communicate ideas, and engage with the world around them.”
In addition to teaching, Ridge maintains an active creative practice as a photographer and ceramicist, bringing real-world experience and perspective into the classroom.
Read more about Mihelich and Ridge at www.mchenry.edu/spotlights.
