Which founder was Alpha Chapter's first president and became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York?

• A. Nathaniel Allison Murray
• B. Vertner Woodson Tandy
• C. George Biddle Kelley
• D. Robert Harold Ogle

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is recognizing a founder who combined leadership with a historic professional milestone. Among the seven founders of Alpha Chapter at Cornell, George Biddle Kelley served as the chapter’s first president. He also became the first African American engineer registered in New York State, a landmark achievement that advanced opportunities for Black engineers in the state. This unique combination of leading the founding chapter and breaking a state-registry barrier in engineering makes him the best fit. The other founders pursued different paths—such as architecture or other professions—so they don’t match both parts of the question in the same way.