Professor Paulo de Souza pushes his limits
On 13 March, before the sun sets over Herdsman Lake, Edith Cowan University (ECU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Paulo de Souza will lace up and take his first lap.
Then, every hour on the hour, he will run again, pushing his body to its limits.
He's lacing up for one reason: ECU students.
The Herdy's Frontyard Ultra is billed as the largest backyard ultra-marathon on the planet. Runners complete a 6.71-kilometre loop each hour. Miss the start line, and you are out. In 2025, the last competitor standing ran for 38 straight hours.
Professor de Souza is back for a second year. His goal is clear; run through the night to meet one or more sunrises to raise funds for ECU's Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarships in the hopes of creating at least six new awards for students experiencing financial hardship.
Financial hardship remains one of the leading reasons students consider leaving university. For many, a small grant can be the difference between discontinuing studies and graduating.
By choosing a race built on attrition, Professor de Souza is making the statement that endurance can be turned into opportunity, and that pain can be converted into possibility.
"An ultra-marathon is challenging. You have to push yourself; you have to go to your limits and be very vulnerable, and I think it relates a lot to the difficulties that students are facing," Professor de Souza said.
"Students have to go through an ultra-marathon to finish their studies. I believe this is one of the best ways to honour their efforts and support them."
Professor Paulo de Souza at the 2025 Herdy's Frontyard Ultra
Ahead of the race, ECU Director of Development and Alumni Relations Susan Schofield reaffirmed Professor De Souza's commitment to putting his body through such a taxing challenge to improve the lives of ECU's students.
"Professor de Souza's willingness to take on a race of this magnitude speaks volumes about his dedication. His motivation is, and always has been, our students and improving their experience at ECU," Ms Schofield said.
Motivating the Motion
The Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarship is an equity-focused support initiative funded through the generous donations from ECU staff, alumni and the wider community. The scholarship encourages applications from students including those from low socio-economic, regional or Indigenous backgrounds, students with disability or chronic health conditions, those with caring responsibilities, care leavers, LGBTIQA+ students and others who have experienced barriers to higher education.
Scholarship recipient Jamie-Rose said the scholarship gave her room to focus, and the confidence to aim higher.
"Watching my son grow ignited my passion for teaching, and this scholarship allows me the freedom to be the best teacher I can be," Jamie-Rose said.
For Graciano III, the turning point came after the death of his father. Grief was followed by sudden financial responsibility. He said the scholarship steadied his family and restored his focus.
"After my dad's passing, I gained more financial responsibility than I have ever had, to the point where I questioned my passion and career choice. This scholarship has helped me and my family get back on our feet and allowed me to focus on my studies," Graciano III said.
Their words are echoed across campus. Scholarships do more than pay bills. They buy time. They restore belief. They keep ambition intact.
A community effort
The Herdy's Frontyard Ultra attracts elite athletes from across the globe. For ECU, it has become something more than a test of endurance; it has become, a test of collective will.
Staff are being asked to consider sponsoring Professor de Souza as he circles the lake through heat, darkness and fatigue, with each lap offering a quiet pledge of support to students who are determined to finish what they started.
"Let's get behind Professor de Souza and support our students," Ms Schofield said.
Show your support with a donation, follow his journey, and hear from our 2025 Inspiring Minds Equity Scholarship recipients to see how, together, we can change a student's future.
