VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Lothian Skelton, the widow of famous comedian and beloved Vincennes native Red Skelton, has donated $4,000,000 to Vincennes University to help fund the expansion of the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center and the Museum of American Comedy.
On Wednesday, the Vincennes University Board of Trustees voted to accept the gift, as well as plans for a 7,200-square-foot extension of the facility.
The proposed addition will feature gallery and event space. It will give the museum additional space to showcase Red Skelton’s artwork. The addition will also include a serving kitchen and more room for archives. A ceremonial groundbreaking is slated tentatively for October.
A Vincennes University news release
“We are profoundly grateful to Mrs. Lothian Skelton for her generous gift,” VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said. “This will be a very nice addition to the University’s facilities as well as a nice addition for the community, and it is a great way to further celebrate Red Skelton and expand on the museum’s collections and display areas.”
The board also learned of a record number of students participating in the VU Jasper campus’ Career Advancement Partnership program with 46 students participating this semester.
