When the SF State Magazine team learned that alumnus Michael J. Payton was coming to campus for a Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts (BECA) event in September — already late into the Fall/Winter issue’s production schedule — it whipped into action to get pictures worthy of the cover. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice was hired and a photo shoot hastily organized. Fortunately, Payton was a flexible, friendly and photogenic subject who didn’t mind being dragged to several studios and control rooms in the George and Judy Marcus Hall for the Liberal and Creative Arts. The resulting portrait can be seen on this issue’s cover.
