Former Illini Cheerleader David Mizer Establishes Cheerleading Scholarship Fund
September 4, 2026 | Cheerleading
Former University of Illinois cheerleader David A. Mizer has established the David A. Mizer Cheerleading Education Fund, creating a new scholarship opportunity for members of the Fighting Illini Cheerleading program and laying the foundation for a broader effort to engage former cheerleaders and supporters in investing in the future of the program. The inaugural recipient of the 2026 scholarship award is four-year team member and 2026-27 team captain, Lily Seifrid.
On December 25, 2025, Mizer was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. Since then, he has been focused on meaningful ways to leave a legacy to the people and groups that have meant the most to him. One of those groups is the Fighting Illini Cheerleading program.
Mizer has made an estimated $25,000 gift to the fund in his estate plan. The fund will provide educational support to members of the Illinois Cheerleading program who are in good academic standing, with preference given to rising seniors who demonstrate financial need and, secondarily, to returning members of the team who demonstrate financial need.
"Cheerleading was an important part of my Illinois experience, and I wanted to find a way to give back to the program and the University," said Mizer. "I hope this gift can be a starting point and encourage other former cheerleaders and friends of the program to get involved. Together, we can create more opportunities for the young people who represent the Fighting Illini with so much pride."
The creation of the fund is intended to serve as the beginning of a broader campaign to reconnect former Illinois cheerleaders and supporters with the program. Additional contributions from alumni and friends will help grow the endowment and increase the number of student-athletes who can receive financial support in the years ahead.
This year's winner, Seifrid, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors on the All-Female team. She is also a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and the 2025 All-Big Ten Community Service team member. At the team's annual banquet, Seifrid won the 2025-26 Oskee Wow Wow award from demonstrating the most school spirit throughout the year.
ABOUT THE DAVID A. MIZER CHEERLEADING EDUCATION FUND
Former Illinois cheerleaders, alumni and friends of the program interested in contributing to the David A. Mizer Cheerleading Education Fund can contact Chris Tuttle in Illinois Athletics at c-tuttle@illinois.edu or by visiting, https://payment.uif.uillinois.edu/david-a-mizer-cheerleading-education-fund
