Family and friends of Phyllis Davis have come up with a new way to remember the Iowa State alumna who was killed one year ago today.

Those close to Davis will announce today a memorial fund drive to establish a $50,000 endowment in Davis’ name. The fund will provide money for community improvement activities.

In addition, Davis’ family has set aside $2,500 for an ISU scholarship. The Phyllis Davis/Hixson Scholarship was awarded to an ISU student this year.

Davis, 42, was a Des Moines resident and well-known businesswoman who earned a bachelor of liberal studies degree here in 1990. Davis, communications director for the Federal Home Loan Bank, was coming home from work on April 8, 1996, when she was fatally wounded by a stray bullet from gang crossfire in downtown Des Moines.

David Flores, 20, was recently convicted of first-degree murder in the case. Sentencing is scheduled for April 19.

The memorial fund will finance activities through the Youth as Resources Program (YAR) in the Des Moines Public Schools. The YAR program is designed to get youth involved in their community. Its purpose is to teach the value of helping others and taking responsibility.

Marlene Anderson, fund president, said the memorial is a living tribute to Davis’ honor.

Anderson, a former co-worker and friend of Davis’, said family and friends are not mourning the death of Davis, but rather celebrating the beginning of a brighter future through the memorial fund.

“It is the hope of this volunteer organization that our youth will learn their actions can make a positive difference in the community. Through this knowledge they will help stem the type of negative behavior and values that led to the death of Phyll Davis,” she said.

Fund money is already being put to use. Harding Middle School students in Des Moines built park benches and planted a perennial garden at the Nature Island Project at Old Riverview Park with assistance from the fund.

Davis’ friends and family describe her as a community volunteer. Davis’ volunteer activities included the Des Moines Chamber Alliance, Downtown Des Moines, Inc., RAGBRAI, Advertising Professionals of Des Moines, Blank Park Zoo Foundation, 1993 flood aid, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines Volunteer Council, United Way of Central Iowa and the Iowa State Alumni Association.

People can make donations to the fund by leaving the contributions at any Amerus Bank.