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Ken Kazmerski collection, 1987-2010

 

Summary

Creator:
Kazmerski, Kenneth J. (Kenneth John)
Abstract:
The Ken Kazmerski collection, 1987-2010, contains forms, photos, shirts, banners, newspaper articles, and memorabilia relating to the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Student Union at the University of Central Florida and other LGBTQ+ topics and organizations in Central Florida. Kenneth "Ken" Kazmerski moved to Orlando, Florida in 1980, joining the University of Central Florida (UCF) as an associate professor of Sociology. In 1983, he was named chair of the Department of Social Work. In 1994, he became the faculty advisor for the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU) at UCF. Kazmerski was a staunch supporter, marching alongside GLBSU students and advocating for funding and increased recognition for the group. Kazmerski retired from UCF in 2003. In 2005, he served on the GLBT History Project committee, a group charged with creating a one-day exhibit for the first Come Out With Pride event in Orlando. Later, the GLBT History Project became an independent organization known as the GLBT History Museum. Kazmerski was a founding member and served as president of the GLBT Museum.
Extent:
7.3 Linear Feet 6 boxes, 1 flat file, 1 rolled banner
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Ken Kazmerski collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

The Ken Kazmerski collection, 1987-2010, contains forms, photos, shirts, banners, newspaper articles, and memorabilia relating to the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Student Union at the University of Central Florida and other LGBTQ+ topics and organizations in Central Florida.

Series I: UCF Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union, 1993-2006 contains a history of the GLBSU and the events they hosted or participated in. A majority of the materials center on the years 1994 through 1997 and include flyers, newspaper articles, newsletters and event calendars for the student organization. umerous photographs of events that the GLBSU participated in, mainly from the 1990s or early 2000s, are also featured within this collection. It includes documents relating to GLBSU such as their registration forms to the Office of Student Activities, and documents from Greg Seaney, GLBSU's president from 1995 through 1996. Memorabilia related to the GLBSU is also contained within this series.

Series II: LGBTQ+ Topics and Organizations, 1987-2010 contains informational materials, such as flyers, newspaper articles, brochures, booklets, letters, and photographs. The materials focus on the topics of National Coming Out Day, homosexuality, and other miscellaneous information as well LGBTQ+ organizations and events in Central Florida such as the Orlando Gay Chorus, the Center, and the Spectrum Awards.

Biographical / historical:

Kenneth "Ken" Kazmerski moved to Orlando, Florida in 1980, joining the University of Central Florida as an associate professor of Sociology. In 1983, he was named chair of the Department of Social Work. After coming out in 1985, Kazmerski became involved in the Central Florida LGBT+ community. In 2005, he served on the GLBT History Project committee, a group charged with creating a one-day exhibit for the first Come Out With Pride event in Orlando. Later, the GLBT History Project became an independent organization known as the GLBT History Museum. Kazmerski was a founding member and served as president of the GLBT Museum.

In 1994, he became the faculty advisor for the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU) at the University of Central Florida. Established at UCF in 1976, GLBSU provided gay, lesbian, and bisexual students the opportunity to socialize, volunteer, and learn while attending UCF. Members participated in numerous events and activities that helped instill pride within its members and strived to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals on campus. The GLBSU also participated in events with the LGBTQ+ community of Orlando such as the Pride Parade. Kazmerski was a stauch supporter, marching alongside GLBSU students and advocating for funding and increased recognition for the group. Kazmerski retired from UCF in 2003.

Acquisition information:
Gifted by Ken Kazmerski to the LGBTQ+ History Museum of Central Florida. Gifted by the LGBTQ+ History Museum of Central Florida to University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections University Archives in 2021 (Accession no. CFM2021_22).
Processing information:

Collection processed by and finding aid prepared by Asmara Cortes-Caba in 2023. Staples and paperclips were removed from documents and replaced with plastic clips. Photographs were removed from frames or albums and placed into coverings. All materials were placed into acid free folders and in an acid free box. Student social security numbers were redacted from documents.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by subject content and chronologically into two series.

  • I. UCF Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union, 1993-2007
  • II. LGBTQ+ Topics and Organizations, 1987-2010

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The entire collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

Ken Kazmerski collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Location of this collection:
John C. Hitt Library
12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2
Orlando
FL
32816-8030
USA