Community Hospital's grand opening was June 30, 1963. University Hospital's was May 24, 1965. So why is Upstate University Hospital celebrating 50 years THIS year?

Because even though Community's grand opening was in 1963, it wasn't until Sept. 5, 1964 that it merged with Syracuse General Hospital to become Community General Hospital.

And because even though University's grand opening was in 1965, the doors actually opened to patients in late summer 1964. Later, University became known as Upstate University Hospital.

The two hospitals became one in July 2011 when Upstate acquired Community General Hospital.

How can you join in the anniversary?

1) Stop by Café 750 (second floor, downtown hospital) for a 64-cent coffee any Thursday in January.

2) Share your memories, scrapbooks, photos and more with the anniversary committee. (Contact Susan Keeter, [email protected], 315-464-4834.)

3) Keep an eye out for news about the creation of both hospital buildings, and for events planned to celebrate the shared anniversary.