A Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: Remembering Professor Joseph Musial
By Reena Hamad
On Sept. 16, the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus community received the deeply saddening news that long-time professor of psychology Joseph Musial was killed in a terrible accident on I-275. WXYZ reported Musial was carpooling with his sister-in-law in the passenger's seat when a metal object crashed through the windshield. Musial was later pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Hospital.
But the events of Musial’s death is far from the only story we should tell about him. It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of an important member of our campus community. The campus community remembers him as an educator who supported and mentored students, a father, a husband and so much more in between. To honor the person he was, this letter turns to remember him in the words of some of those who knew him.
Psychology professor Susana Peciña reflected on the care and genuinity Musial brought to his work:
“He brought kindness, warmth, and a genuine concern for others to his interactions with students and colleagues alike. That same care was evident in his teaching. Joe had a gift for making statistics and research methods accessible and engaging. His students consistently described him as knowledgeable, caring, and approachable, and his teaching reflected both his dedication to his profession and his commitment to the students in front of him.
Joe’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. Through his teaching, mentoring and generosity, he helped shape the lives and careers of many students. He wrote countless letters of recommendation for students applying to graduate and medical school, and when the acceptance letters arrived, no one was prouder than Joe. What I will remember most is the person he was, the way he treated people, the relationships he built, and the quiet but meaningful impact he had on those around him.”
That same care left an impression on UM-Dearborn student Aamina Rehman, who knew Musial as both her professor and her faculty advisor on a research project. She recalled his encouragement and guidance:
“Dr. Musial was a true beacon of light. I had the privilege of learning from him, and his class was one that I looked forward to. He truly cared about all of his students. His kindness always showed. He often brought candy for the class.
I later approached him with a community health research project, and he agreed to become the Faculty Advisor. Through this experience, I had the privilege of working regularly with him. I not only learned from him as a professor and researcher, but also as a mentor. He was strong, kindhearted, and genuine. His advice and guidance meant so much to me. I’ve always had so much respect for him.
Dr. Musial touched so many lives. He left a positive impact in so many ways. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him. I am deeply saddened by his loss. My heart goes out to Dr. Musial’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
University education is often described in terms of courses, credits and degrees. Yet people like Joe Musial remind us that is far more than that: It is the encouragement to pursue an idea, the guidance that helps a project take shape, the reassurance of someone’s faith in your abilities and the joy we get to share with others in our moments of success. It is these connections and experiences that bring true meaning to higher education, professional pursuits and our everyday lives.
On behalf of The Michigan Journal, our team extends our deepest condolences to Musial’s family, friends, colleagues and students. As the semester continues, returning to the normalcy of classes, submitting assignments and meeting deadlines can seem nearly impossible. But we feel confident that together, our campus community will offer one another patience, support and understanding while navigating a grief that does not follow an academic calendar.
No single tribute could ever capture everything Musial meant to the people in his life. What we can do is turn to the people who knew him and give their stories a place in our shared memory of this campus – not only to acknowledge what we have lost, but to remember all that he gave and strive towards his example. If you have words you would like to share about him to be recorded on The Michigan Journal website, please do not hesitate to email me at reenah@umich.edu.
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