Alumnus' Successful Crusade for Mother's Day Bus Crash Historical Marker

Filmmaker and author Royd Anderson (B.A. English Literature 1998) advocated for five years to get a historical marker in City Park, near the crash site, for the victims of the Mother's Day bus crash (May 9, 1999: worst vehicular accident in Louisiana history - 22 fatalities).  Finally, after a lack of interest and delays from the two previous City Park CEOs, current City Park CEO Rebecca Dietz swiftly honored the proposition.  Anderson raised the money for the plaque through private donations and wrote the inscription on the marker.  The unveiling ceremony took place this past Mother's Day on May 10.  One of the guest speakers was Loyola alumnus and former sheriff Marlin Gusman.  The plaque is located on the lawn outside the entrance of Pan Am Stadium (194 Zachary Taylor Dr., New Orleans).  Pictured are (left to right)  Royd Anderson, Darrell Mathieu (his mother, Florence, died in the crash.  She was awarded Volunteer of the Month by the Archdiocese shortly before her death. Darrell helped much with the plaque fundraising and ceremony), and Levees.Org founder, Sandy Rosenthal (She also assisted with the fundraising and is a mentor to Royd. She is featured in his latest documentary Leading Ladies of Hurricane Katrina, which won the Best Documentary and Best Home Grown Film award at the 2025 Lake Charles Film Festival.  The documentary premiered in New Orleans at The Broad Theater this past fall).