Vertner Woodson Tandy became the state of New York's first African-American registered architect, with offices on Broadway in New York City. The designer of the Fraternity pin holds the distinction of being the first African American to pass the military commissioning examination and was commissioned First Lieutenant in the 15th Infantry of the New York State National Guard. He was Alpha Chapter’s first treasurer and took the initiative to incorporate the Fraternity. Among the buildings designed by the highly talented architect are the Saint Phillips Episcopal Church in New York City and Madame C.J. Walker's 32-room mansion, the Villa Lewaro. He died in 1949, at age 64.