John Madormo, Assistant Professor of Broadcast Communication at North Central College, graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1974 with a degree in broadcast communication and advertising. He was hired out of NIU by WGN (720 AM in Chicago), where he became involved in almost all of the varied offerings of the respected full-service clear-channel powerhouse, from directing talk and music shows to writing promos, commercials, and public service announcements.
In 1980, Madormo was hired by North Central College to reorganize WONC, as well as teach broadcasting. In his 32 years at the helm, he has supervised the change to a unified "pure rock" format, the upgrade of the WONC facilities to full stereo, and the move of the FM 89 studios to 232 E. Chicago Ave. from its nearly thirty year perch atop Old Main. The station has won 20 Marconi Awards under his leadership. No other college radio station has won more. In 1994, Madormo was named "Broadcast Advisor of the Year" by College Media Advisors, Inc.