On Friday, Dec. 13, Winston-Salem State University marked Commencement Day with a unique and heartfelt contribution from a familiar face—State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA. The event not only celebrated the achievements of graduates but also served as a poignant homecoming for Folwell, who once walked the university’s halls as a nontraditional student.
Folwell returned nearly $200,000 in unclaimed funds to the university. It was a significant gesture that Chancellor Bonita Brown described as a “Christmas come early.” The funds, totaling $181,741.74, were identified by the Department of State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division and represented credit balances and vendor payments that had gone unclaimed for various reasons.
“It gives me great pleasure as a former student to return this missing money to its rightful owners,” Folwell stated during the presentation. “I wish to thank Winston-Salem City Council member James Taylor Jr. for helping to facilitate this event, and Chancellor Brown for graciously agreeing to host the presentation on such an important day for the university.”
Chancellor Brown expressed gratitude for the unexpected funds, emphasizing their significance in enhancing the university’s financial resources. “Unexpected resources such as these bring an added touch of holiday cheer to our university,” she remarked, highlighting the diligent efforts of the administration in securing rightful claims.
The unclaimed funds are part of a broader state initiative, with the NCCash.com program currently safeguarding approximately $1.3 billion in lost or misdirected assets across North Carolina. This includes over 22 million properties awaiting reclamation by their rightful owners. During his tenure, Treasurer Folwell has successfully recovered more than $610 million for individuals and entities across the state.
As Winston-Salem State University celebrates its graduates, the return of these funds not only supports the institution’s mission but also reinforces the enduring values that Folwell experienced during his own educational journey. With the motto “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” the university continues to empower its students to thrive and contribute to their communities.