35 Years of Hood Computing

Early 1970s

First course in computing introduced into curriculum by the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics as part of a COSIP grant from the NSF.
Separate Department of Mathematics established; computing course designated part of the department offerings. The new department moves into three offices on the second floor of the recently constructed Rosenstock Hall.
Facilities: ASR-33 teletype connected by dial-up to a timesharing system in Bethesda using an acoustic coupler.

1972

Dr. Paul Gowen joins the department as chairperson.
Dr. Elizabeth Chang joins the department to teach mathematics and computer science.

1976

Hood purchases its first computer, a PDP-8 with 16K of memory and a 3Mb hard disk drive. This powerhouse of a machine cost only $20,000. The start-up code had to be toggled in from the front panel.

1977

New graduate Pat Ropp hired as first Technical Coordinator in the department.
The department introduces new computing-oriented courses over the next few years and adds a concentration in computing to the mathematics major.
PDP-8 replaced with a PDP/11-60 as part of a CAUSE grant from the NSF.

1979

1982

Dr. Douglas Peterson joins the department to teach both computer science and mathematics.

1983

1984

M.S. degree in computer and information sciences added
PDP/11-60 replaced with VAX; department moves to new space in the top floor of Rosenstock Hall.

1990s

Programs, student enrollments, and faculty expand.
VAX system replaced by PC labs and servers running the Linux operating system.
B.S. degree in computer science added.
Master's degree in the Management of Information Technology added, in cooperation with the Department of Economics and Management.
Undergraduate minor in computer science added.

2002

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science moves into newly renovated/constructed space in Hodson Science and Technology Center.
Undergraduate minor in web development added.

2003

Menu: