Southern Illinois University leaders got an unexpected gift recently, as the Illinois Treasurer's I-Cash program turned up a donation of $25,000.
Treasurer Michael Frerichs says the donor had graduated from SIU Carbondale years ago, and when he died left the money in his will. But he didn't let the university know, so SIU didn't file a claim for it. Frerichs says this happens a lot.
"Oftentimes, we don't tell our children or our loved ones where we have all our money. And I understand that - it can sometimes be difficult to have conversations about money, or you might trust that they'll try to access that money. But you really need to get your affairs in order, so that money doesn't go missing when you pass away."
The I-Cash program has turned up millions of dollars in unclaimed property for families, businesses, organizations, and foundations over the last several years.
You can find more about this program - and do you own search - at https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/.