June 12, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
There are some individuals on campus whose impact is felt in every corner, and Rod Tosten, our Vice President for Information Technology, is one of those people. I’m writing today with the bittersweet news that Rod has decided to retire at the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
Rod has been an invaluable member of our College community for the past 35 years. It started as a student; Rod graduated from the College in 1985, having majored in mathematics. He returned to the College as a member of the faculty in 1990, and in 1999 he created the Computer Science department and served as its first chair. He has continued to serve as a faculty member at Gettysburg ever since.
In addition to his role in the department, Rod has served as the Vice President for Information Technology for the past two decades. Under his leadership, the IT department has helped the College navigate numerous technological evolutions, including the emergence of consumer electronics, preparing classrooms for online and hybrid teaching, and as recently as this summer, implementing a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network for the campus community.
Over the past few years, Rod has expanded his work even further. In 2016, he spearheaded a team to start the College’s summer online course programs, which have grown significantly since its inception. Most recently, he was part of a team that reintroduced the College’s January Term (J-Term) and established our new online master’s program in American history, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute (GLI). Both programs have been very successful, exceeding enrollment projections and earning extremely favorable reviews among our students.
Rod’s work on campus has been nothing short of remarkable. His can-do attitude, his belief in this institution, his willingness to evolve and adapt, and his ability to innovate by finding connection points across disparate fields of study are qualities I hope each of us can continue as part of his enduring legacy. He is a model of what it means to be an engaged Gettysburg College graduate living a consequential life.
Rod is looking forward to spending more time with his wife of 35 years, Anita, and exploring the great outdoors in their new RV. In the coming months, I will provide updates regarding Rod’s transition and a celebration in his honor. For now, please join me in thanking Rod for his incredible service to Gettysburg College.
Sincerely,
Bob Iuliano
President