About Us

The Centro, formally the “Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome,” has been educating lovers of ancient Italy since 1965.

History and Organization

Since its founding in 1965 by representatives of ten American colleges and universities spearheaded by Professor Brooks Otis of Stanford University, the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome has exposed undergraduate students to the on-site study of classical antiquity.  Our member institutions now number over 100, and the alumni network includes over 3300 students who have attended the Centro since its inception.

In celebration of our 50th anniversary in 2015, a group of alumni, professors, and friends collectively penned a history of the Centro.

The Centro at Fifty

The Centro’s long history has shaped the field of Classics

Photo: Danielle Vander Horst

Administration
and Advisors

The program is a stand-alone institution led by a Managing Committee. Under a long-term agreement with the consortium members, the Global Education Program of Duke University handles the applications and oversees academic accreditation and other student-related issues. Campus representatives of member institutions elect the Managing Committee, which is composed of a Chair (currently Professor Jeremy Hartnett) and four others. A member of Duke’s Classical Studies Department serves as Secretary. The Managing Committee appoints the teaching faculty of the Centro, approves its budget, reviews student applications, supervises the curriculum, and establishes policy.

Over the last decade, the Chair of the Managing Committee has been assisted by an Advisory Board composed of experts in various fields, many of whom are Centro alumni.

“The Centro is a rare experience to immerse yourself in a city with deep historical roots. Everywhere you turn, there are centuries of history to observe. Tromping all over the city to explore the layers of history is one of the best ways imaginable to begin a relationship with the city of Rome that can continue for decades.”

– JK Melton, University of Colorado

Rome Staff

The permanent staff consists of Director Francesco Sgariglia, Assistant Director Pina Vallefuoco, librarian and bookkeeper Adriana Parrotta, and administrative assistant Luisa Boncompagni, who together provide a comfortable and supportive environment for teaching and learning at the Centro building, and advise the students about how to make the most of their time in Italy.

Francesco Sgariglia and Pina Vallefuoco
Francesco Sgariglia and Pina Vallefuoco
Adriana Parrotta and Luisa Boncompagni
Adriana Parrotta and Luisa Boncompagni

Financial Support

The Centro has received generous aid from the Danforth Foundation, The Old Dominion Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, as well as the continuing support of a consortium of colleges and universities, and contributions from former students.

Join alumni and friends of the Centro who have already given

Donor Honor Roll

Centro Speakers Database

The American Classical League and the Centro have established a database of Centristi willing to speak in elementary, secondary, and collegiate institutions about ancient history, archaeology, mythology, and other ancient matters. Included in the database are college and university professors.  If you would like to have a Centro speaker visit your school, please contact one of the faculty members listed below using the email provided. 

Centro Speakers Database

Contact Information

For inquiries concerning the Centro academic program, please contact:

Kayla Soltis-Katella
GEO Assistant Director
Global Education Office for Undergraduates
Duke University
Smith Whse, Bay 6, 2nd Floor
114 S. Buchanan Blvd.
Box 90057
Durham, NC
Tel: (919) 684 2174
Fax: (919) 684 3083
info@TheCentroRome.org

For Centro development and alumni events, please contact:

Jessica Short
Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies
Indiana Office
PO Box 167
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
(317) 350-4541
assist@TheCentroRome.org