The John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics with The Humanities Digital Workshop and The Program in Religious Studies hosted the Digital Paedagogos: A Symposium in Memory of Carl Conrad on Saturday, February 21, bringing together scholars, students, family, and friends to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Classicist Carl W. Conrad. 

The symposium featured presentations by Helma Dik (University of Chicago), Patrick Burns (Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, NYU), and Jonathan Robie (Biblica, Inc.), each reflecting on themes central to Conrad’s scholarly passions, including Greek linguistics, digital philology, and classical language pedagogy. Their talks echoed Conrad’s reputation as both an innovative thinker in the digital humanities and a generous mentor in the study of Greek. 

In addition to the academic program, the day served as a personal tribute to Conrad’s life. His children, Kathryn and Fred, and grandchildren, Zac and Grace, were present, offering a warm family dimension to the gathering—a fitting tribute to a scholar remembered as much for his humanity as for his intellect. This familial presence resonated especially in the display of memorabilia from Conrad’s life, shared by his son Fred, which participants could browse throughout the event. These items provided an intimate look into Conrad’s decades of scholarship, teaching, and community-building.

Carl W. Conrad, who served on the WashU faculty beginning in 1961 and remained an influential presence in Classics and digital scholarship for decades, is remembered not only for his research in Greek and Latin literature but also for fostering intellectual communities, including long-term contributions to the B‑Greek online forum. His career bridged traditional philology and emerging digital tools, making the symposium’s digital-humanities focus a particularly apt homage. 

Across the day’s conversations—scholarly, personal, and intergenerational—participants honored Conrad’s enduring impact: a scholar whose work shaped fields, a mentor who opened doors for countless learners, and a person who believed in the power of knowledge shared with care.