Look up, CNY! On September 8, some of the region’s most recognizable buildings and landmarks will shine blue as our community comes together to celebrate 100 years of Loretto.
On Tuesday, September 8, the Central New York skyline will take on a special shade of blue in honor of Loretto’s Centennial and the more than one million people who have been part of our story.
Buildings and landmarks throughout the region will “Light Up Blue for Loretto,” creating a community-wide celebration of the residents, families, employees, volunteers, partners and supporters who have shaped Loretto during the past century.
Barclay Damon Tower, Belden, Crouse Hospital Clock Tower, Destiny USA, KeyBank, Loretto, Nascentia Health, National Grid, Onondaga Community College, Redhouse Arts Center, St. Joseph’s, Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome and Upstate Medical University’s Weiskotten Hall are among those joining the celebration.
Join the Celebration
We invite everyone across Central New York to celebrate with us. On the evening of September 8, look for the blue lights across the community, snap a photo and share it on social media as we mark this once-in-a-century milestone together.
It’s a fitting tribute to a story that began right here in Syracuse.
On September 8, 1926, the Syracuse Roman Catholic Diocese founded Loretto Rest—today known as The Heritage Memory Life Community—in response to an urgent community need: providing a home and compassionate care for older adults who needed support.
A century later, that commitment continues.
Since becoming a nonprofit organization in 1976, Loretto has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of older adults while remaining committed to helping people live with purpose, dignity and independence as they age. Today, Loretto provides 19 programs and services and, over the course of its history, has touched the lives of more than one million people and their families.
100 Years to the Day
September 8 will also bring Loretto back to where its story began.
Exactly 100 years after Loretto was founded, the organization will commemorate Founders Day with a special program featuring remarks from Loretto President and CEO Dr. Kimberly Townsend, Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens.
Following the program, the Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse, will bless the building and preside over a commemorative Mass, echoing the faith tradition that was part of Loretto’s founding in 1926.
For one night, Central New York will glow blue in celebration of a century of caring—and the community that made it possible. #loretto100
Learn more about Loretto’s Centennial and our 100-year story at Our Centennial | Loretto.