Nossi College of Art and Design is honored to announce our upcoming 2024 graduation commencement speaker, Mr. Paul Castro. Paul is a rare individual who has lived many lives in one, and successfully contributed to all his endeavors with service at the highest level.
Paul was born in New York City, attended an all-male military high school in Washington D.C., graduating as the #1 cadet. While earning a Bachelor of Science degree, playing first division NCAA collegiate soccer, Paul once scored 9 goals in 3 games including a hat-trick against Georgetown University. He was then ranked as the #1 goal scorer in the country by Soccer America Magazine. Paul also played in San Paulo, Brazil.
After his soccer career, Paul returned to the Washington, D.C. area where he founded and built Techforce, Inc, a successful start-up that he eventually sold to a publicly traded company at the age of 25.
Paul then ventured to the west coast of California, where he served as an Expert Crisis Counselor specializing in Suicide Prevention for 7 years.
Paul then changed course to attend graduate school, thus earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television from UCLA’s legendary School of Theater, Film, and Television.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from UCLA, Paul competed in Triathlons, and as a civilian, won the Navy SEAL’s Superfrog Triathlon’s “Perseverance Award.”
Paul then flourished in the entertainment industry as a screenwriter and director, and then…. 9-11 happened.
When a friend was killed while working in the Pentagon on that fateful day, Paul made a decision that he wanted to serve, sending him on yet another life path where he applied and was accepted to OCS - Officer Candidate School in hopes of becoming an Officer in our fine United States Navy.
After graduating at the top of his OCS class winning the “Iron Sailor” award, Paul then served as a Public Affairs Officer during wartime for the Naval Special Warfare Command, home of our fine United States Navy SEALs.
After years of honorably serving the Navy SEAL community, Paul returned to Los Angeles, and while continuing his successful career in the entertainment industry, he was invited to join the UCLA faculty. As a fulltime professor, Paul taught both undergraduates and graduate students.
Paul is an award-winning screenwriter and director with a unique voice, and a rare gift for masterful cinematic storytelling. Some of his feature film and television studio credits include the international hit, AUGUST RUSH, SPEED KILLS, WEDDING OF DREAMS, and others. His most recent project, now streaming on Amazon, is called, FOREVER THE END OF AGING, which Paul wrote, directed, and co-produced.
Former CEO-President of The Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner, wrote:
“What clearly resonates with me is Paul's love and dedication to storytelling. He is a composed and practical artist, yet highly imaginative in his approach.”
TOP GUN producer Bill Badalato wrote, “When it comes to cinematic storytelling, Paul is amongst the best.”
Showrunner, Felicia Henderson, Creator of the series SOUL FOOD, and executive producer of such hit shows as GOSSIP GIRL, THE PUNISHER, EMPIRE and others, declared “Paul’s screen credits include an Oscar-nominated feature film and screenplays that have attracted A-list Hollywood talent. He is one of my favorite colleagues.”
Oscar nominated Sean Astin, who stared in RUDY, and The LORD OF THE RINGS and other hits, enthusiastically said, “Paul is tireless in his pursuit of story. He is relentless in his advocacy for his students. And his passion for life and work are limitless.”
Tab Ramos, former World Cup soccer star and captain of the United States National Team, said, “Paul was the type of striker you wanted on the field as much as possible. He would constantly battle and had great speed. Always a winner on the field and a great teammate and person off the field. He was invaluable."
Paul’s commanding officer, Navy SEAL Team Captain Duncan Smith said, “When the Navy faced a critical shortfall of SEAL Team operators, we were extremely fortunate to have talented public affairs officer, Lieutenant Paul Castro, serving on active duty. He was a godsend for Naval Special Warfare. The creative techniques and insightful methods that Paul built, then brought to the SEAL teams are the templates still in use today.”
One of the folks responsible for that iPhone we are all carrying, Co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniack, also simply known as Woz, said, “Paul has touched on many emotional triggers for me, relating love and search and belief and music all in one movie. I was so taken by “August Rush,” that I had to buy the same guitar that had a role in the movie.”
AUGUST RUSH the musical is now being produced for Broadway. When Paul invited Woz and his lovely wife Janet to the eventual premiere, Woz responded, “It would be the highlight of my life.”
When Paul was asked, “Out of all of your monumental achievements, successes, accolades, and acts of service, what is the most rewarding?” Without hesitation, Paul simply responded, “What I am most grateful for is the shared unconditional love, close and meaningful relationship with my daughter, Cherokee Rose.”
We are all very excited to hear the positive words that Paul Castro will deliver in his commencement address on June 1st, 2024!
