SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cogswell College, one of the world's leading regionally-accredited institutions offering a unique curriculum that fuses digital arts, engineering and entrepreneurship, is pleased to announce Frank Paniagua, Jr. as their 2014 commencement speaker. In addition to the baccalaureate graduates, Cogswell will be handing seven master degrees to graduates of their Master's in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.

"The graduation of our first master's students and the eagerly-anticipated commencement speech by industry luminary Frank Paniagua exemplify the level of growth the college has undergone," said Deb Snyder, Cogswell president and chief academic officer. "Cogswell College's leadership in entrepreneurship, and digital arts and engineering, and the creation of innovative post-graduate programs, positions the college as a leader in Silicon Valley."

Paniagua is founder and chief executive officer of Green Plug, Inc., a digital protocol technology company based in San Ramon, Calif., which navigates the AC to DC consumer charging experience. Prior to founding Green Plug, he founded and led a number of technology companies developing computer graphics, educational software, digital music CD burning systems, satellite-based networking, PC peripherals and IT Security. Paniagua was co-founder of the Video Electronics Standards (VESA) and currently serves as advisor to the US China Green Energy Council. He is a graduate of Cal State University in Hayward.

"Cogswell cultivates creativity and innovation by bringing together students who are passionate about working in digital art, audio, game, and engineering and fostering a collaborative environment that stimulates the free flow of ideas," says Paniagua. "Exciting programs such as the Idea & Innovation Lab will ensure the next generation of engineers and designers have the education and experience to create the next game-changing product or invention."

The commencement ceremony will take place at the unique and innovative Club Auto Sport event center located at 521 Charcot Avenue in San Jose.

About Cogswell College

Located in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of the Silicon Valley, Cogswell College is a WASC accredited four-year institution of higher education with a curriculum that fuses art, engineering and entrepreneurship (http://www.cogswell.edu/index.php). As one of the Bay Area's premier colleges, its novel academic approach offers an integrated model that emulates the industry environment—a collaborative, project-based, learning experience that uses multidisciplinary teams to take projects from concept through the delivery pipeline.

Cogswell College alumni credentials include Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, Halo 4, Gears of War 3 and blockbuster films including Frozen, Life of Pi, Madagascar, and The Avengers. Student-created films have garnered scores of national awards (http://www.cogswell.edu/student-work/worlds-apart.php). Cogswell alumni have gone on to careers with industry leaders such as: Activision, DreamWorks, Disney, Electronic Arts, Pixar and Microsoft Game Studio as well as starting their own creative ventures.