Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

July 17, 2026

Dear colleagues,

Nothing brings people together quite like FIFA World Cup soccer. When nations from across the globe meet on the pitch, we’re reminded how much we share as members of a single human family. The World Cup has a way of awakening pride in our roots while also celebrating the connections that transcend them.

This summer, I’ve been energized by that spirit. I’ve watched FIFA World Cup matches in person and alongside family, friends, and colleagues. I was fortunate to be in Atlanta to witness Argentina’s incredible comeback against Egypt. To stand in that stadium, to feel the surge of hope and disbelief ripple through tens of thousands of people at once, was unforgettable. Even the controversy that followed was a reminder of the price we willingly pay for passion, pride, and the privilege of caring deeply.

That same energy thrives in more intimate settings as well. The excitement at former Provost Thomas Jeitschko’s World Cup watch party was electric. It’s proof that you don’t need a mass of fans, but people with passion, to feel the world come alive around you.

The global spirit of the World Cup reminds me of who we are at Michigan State University. Spartans come from every corner of the world, bringing languages, traditions, and perspectives that enrich our campuses and strengthen our communities. 

A big shoutout to the decades of Spartan researchers who have worked to make the natural turfgrass pitch as GREEN as can be.

The Work Continues

By now you’ve read the message from President Kevin Guskiewicz reaffirming his commitment to Michigan State. The MSU Medicine Implementation Committee, headed by Provost Laura Lee McIntyre, PhD, is also continuing its work. We recently met to do some team building and create working groups. Keep an eye out for communication from Provost McIntyre on the committee member self-nomination process. As co-chair of this committee, Provost McIntyre and I both encourage all who are interested to participate.

Another Honor for Woodruff

It comes as no surprise that we are once again tipping our hats to Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, as she has received another honor. She has been elected an International Engineering and Technology Institute Distinguished Fellow (DFIETI) as part of the 12th Annual Class of IETI Fellows for 2026. The honor speaks to Dr. Woodruff’s excellence in research and outstanding leadership. This picture is from her induction into the Fellowship of the Royal Society. She tells me she raised the green and white flag high and proudly! She called it a magnificent and truly royal event and said it was wonderful to hear MSU’s name read in such a positive way. Congratulations Teresa!

Resilience Through Passion

I was recently inspired by speaker Paul Long at the Michigan Health and Hospitals Association annual meeting. For someone who isn’t a neurologist, Long has an impressive grasp of how our minds work; especially how easily we get locked into familiar patterns of stress, urgency, and problem solving. He spoke about the power of brain pattern interrupt, a practice that can shift our attention from problems to possibilities. His message was clear: resilience in challenging times comes from being present, reconnecting with others, and reconnecting with ourselves.

I’ve found some of that grounding in the joy of watching the World Cup. I love seeing world-class athletes perform at the highest level and witnessing people from every corner of the globe come together in shared excitement. It’s a reminder that even in a fastmoving world, moments of connection and passion can reset our perspective.

As we move through the rest of the summer, I encourage you to make time for the passions, hobbies, and communities that keep you centered. Whether it’s soccer, music, gardening, reading, or anything else that brings you back to yourself, those moments are not distractions—they’re essential. 

In Spartan Spirit,

Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, FACP
Interim Dean, MSU College of Human Medicine