'Chewbacca mom,' kids given scholarships to Southeastern University

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - A car, a camera and Chewbacca; that's all Candace Payne needed to be launched into the viral stratosphere.

Now, after millions of shares and dozens of appearances on national TV, she stars in a new clip shot in Lakeland at Southeastern University.

One of the Christian college's vice presidents knew the "Chewbacca Mom" before she earned the name, along with the title of most viewed Facebook live videographer. Payne was visiting Orlando over the weekend and made a stop at the school.

In the school's video - its president offers her and her kids free tuition. The school calls it a hand-up, not a handout. 

"Over 90-percent of our students receive institutional aid. We've had the privilege to increase that aid from $6 million to $25 million this year. If we can help her in any way, we want to do that," said Executive Vice President Brian Carroll.

The move isn't without some criticism, but students like August Schmidt said she and her kids are welcome at the school. 

"I have student loan debt. I have two jobs, a family and a kid, but honestly, it's a gift to them they should take it," he said.

Candace Payne has made appearances on late night television shows, visited Facebook's headquarters, gone to Disney's Hollywood Studios to take a selfie with Chewbacca himself and numerous other appearances. 

Her general message is one of joy, likely stemming from the caption on her now-infamous video, "It's the simple joys in life...." 

Payne was also visited by executives from Kohl's, where she bought the mask that brought her so much joy, and internet stardom. They presented her with more masks for her kids and family, as well as thousands in gift cards and merchandise from the store.