CJ McCollum And Wife Elise Host Scholarship Dinner For Graduating Seniors In New Orleans
NBA star's scholarship program celebrates students, including one headed to his alma mater
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The McCollum scholarship dinner took place last night in New Orleans, bringing together graduating seniors with NBA player CJ McCollum and his wife Elise for a celebration of educational achievement.
Standout Student Headed To Lehigh
Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of a standout student who will be attending Lehigh University – the same institution where both CJ and Elise McCollum received their education. This connection between the student’s future and the McCollums’ past added a special significance to the celebration. The Instagram post about the event showed the scholarship recipients alongside the McCollums and staff from College Beyond, an organization that helps support students through college. The celebratory atmosphere was captured in the image of the formal dinner gathering.
In true New Orleans fashion, the evening included a festive touch with participants tossing beads from the balcony of the dinner venue – a nod to local traditions that made the scholarship celebration uniquely NOLA.
The caption accompanying the post praised CJ and Elise for being “so engaged and giving back to the New Orleans community,” highlighting how the couple has embraced their role as community leaders since CJ joined the New Orleans Pelicans.
McCollum’s Commitment To Education
Education has long been important to CJ McCollum, who graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in journalism. McCollum was the first player from Lehigh to be selected in the NBA draft when the Portland Trail Blazers picked him 10th overall in 2013. The scholarship dinner represents just one aspect of the McCollums’ community involvement. CJ has consistently demonstrated a commitment to education throughout his NBA career, which began with the Portland Trail Blazers before he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022.
Beyond Basketball
While CJ McCollum is known primarily for his skills on the basketball court, he and his wife Elise have expanded their interests beyond sports. The couple owns McCollum Heritage 91, a wine brand that has gained recognition in recent years.
Recent Instagram posts show that the McCollums hosted wine events in New Orleans, including a special wine tasting at d.b.a. featuring their Heritage 91 label. In April, they also announced the launch of their wine club, offering customizable shipments and special benefits to members.
The wine venture represents another facet of their growing business portfolio and community presence. In a post from earlier this year, CJ was welcomed to the LIVE Board of Directors, which focuses on sustainable wine growing in Oregon. The post noted that sustainability is important to the McCollums, whose wines are made from 100% LIVE certified grapes from their family vineyard.
Family Life
Beyond their professional and philanthropic endeavors, the McCollums are also focused on family life. Social media posts reveal that they are parents to two children – son Jacobi, who turned 2 earlier this year, and daughter Margaux, who was born in November 2023.
In a heartfelt post celebrating Jacobi’s second birthday, the couple wrote: “Happy 2nd birthday, little man! We love you so deeply, more than we ever knew was humanly possible!! You’re the kindest big brother and the most incredible son—you and Margaux are the highlight of our lives!”
The McCollum scholarship dinner exemplifies how the NBA player and his wife have integrated themselves into the New Orleans community while maintaining their various personal and professional interests. Their commitment to education, sustainable business practices, and community development shows how professional athletes can make meaningful impacts beyond their sports careers.
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