Introduction

Centaur Systems published educational software for the Classics (ancient Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies) from 1984 to 2017. It was named after the earliest teachers in classical mythology. While not still in business, the software is still available for download as freeware.

Mission

Centaur Systems' mission was to offer the best quality software possible, along with helpful support services and useful information on available e-learning options in the field of classical studies.

Staff

Rob Latousek completed his B.A. in Classics at the College of the Holy Cross (Worcester MA) in 1978, followed by an M.A. in Latin from Loyola University of Chicago in 1985. He was a doctoral student in Educational Technology at the University of Wisconsin--Madison from 1985 to 1988, while designing and writing software for the Classics Department there under a Project Trochos grant from the UW and IBM. After that, he worked full-time for Centaur Systems, which he founded in 1984 to publish the results of his own and others' programming endeavors.

For many years Latousek volunteered his time to the American Classical League to help them educate their members and the rest of the profession about all of the computer-based tools available for the Classics. Once a Latin teacher himself, he served as Chair of their Committee on Educational Computer Applications (1987-2008), wrote a semi-annual column, called "Random Access" (1989-2008) for The Classical Outlook journal (see Archives), and compiled the ACL Software Directory for the Classics (1985-2009, see Directory). In 2011 he received a Meritus Award "for distinguished service to the American Classical League and the Classics profession." In 2015 he received the Anthony J. Gradisnik Award from the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers "for outstanding contributions to world language learning and global studies." He retired in December 2017 and made all of his software available as freeware.

Brian McCormick is responsible for designing the Centaur Systems logo and maintaining aesthetic standards in all the graphics. He is now retired from his career as a preservation architect for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin and has returned to his original calling as a watercolor artist and prairie restorer.