Series I: History of CREOL, 1984-1991 includes a brief overview at the beginning that explains how the materials came to be collected and thereafter are arranged chronologically. Dr. Martin Stickly asked Dr. Ronald L. Phillips to collate the materials that show how government support was rallied, funds were solicited and faculty hired for CREOL. These records include letters, memoranda, reports and news releases and they provide insight into the history of CREOL. Originally created as the State University System's Center of Excellence in optical and laser sciences, the Center for Research in Electro-Optics and Lasers was renamed in 1996 as the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers. It is now a research center within the College of Optics & Photonics. CREOL provides education in optical science and engineering, conducts scholarly fundamental and applied research and aids in the development of Florida's technology-based industries.
