Rod Tosten

Rod Tosten

Professor of Computer Science

Class of 1985

When Tosten arrived on campus in 1981, his passions  were physics and math. Since he already had AP credit for calculus, he was put into a brand new class...the first in computer science with Professor Dave Flesner.

"I loved it and took every computer course as they brought them on." He went on to major in math with minors in computer science and physics.

His love for teaching began to develop when he became a computer lab assistant during his sophomore year. "I enjoyed helping people; I enjoyed teaching and the sciences."

Did you know?

• In 1990, Tosten became the first person hired as a Computer Science professor.

• Tosten is a licensed auto mechanic and official state auto inspector! He grew up helping his Dad who owned an auto business in Fayetteville, PA.

"I came back to Gettysburg College because of the atmosphere. The professors got to know you, they even knew my Mom and Dad by name. It was all about the students. This was the only place I applied."   

Tosten joined the ATO fraternity and was their president in his sophomore year. "As president I learned about leadership."

"We took pride in how nice our house was. We had a cook in the house and it was great, especially having breakfast to order. I really liked the chef, Rob Bass, and I am still in touch with him. I also learned about budgeting... we would plan meals and save money so that we could afford to have the best food during finals... the steaks!"

Tosten does admit to some sillier antics, such as being goaded into jumping out the 2nd floor window to land in the snow (no injuries sustained), and shooting bottle rockets out windows at passersby (no injuries sustained).