Lucien Metellus, the 37th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has accepted the invitation to serve as the 2026 Commencement speaker at York College on Friday, May 26.
Described as a “dedicated leader and lifelong servant of Alpha Phi Alpha,” Metellus assumed the role of General President in 2025, bringing decades of distinguished leadership, service, and professional achievement. His election reflects a deep commitment to advancing the fraternity’s mission of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.
Born in Brooklyn and of Haitian descent, Metellus spent his early years attending Holy Cross School before relocating with his family to Queens at age 14. He later graduated from Springfield Gardens High School and earned a degree in Policy Studies from Syracuse University, laying the foundation for a career defined by excellence and community impact.
Metellus entered Alpha Phi Alpha through the Zeta Lambda Chapter in St. Albans, New York. His service within the chapter has been extensive, including roles as president, vice president, secretary, director of Educational Activities, associate editor of The Sphinx, and fundraising chair. He has also served as an advisor to the Theta Epsilon Chapter at St. John’s University and is a proud Life Member.
His leadership extends beyond the chapter level. At the district level, he has held numerous roles, including parliamentarian, secretary, director of Competitions, New York State Director of Conferences, New York City Area Director, New York State President, and District Director. Within Alpha’s Eastern Region, he has served as March for Babies coordinator, parliamentarian, and director of College Brothers Affairs, culminating in his election as the 28th Eastern Regional Vice President and a voting member of the fraternity’s Board of Directors.
Metellus has also played a significant role in the broader Pan-Hellenic community through the Pan-Hellenic Council of Greater New York, where he served as Founders’ Day chair, membership chair, board member, parliamentarian, vice president, and president. The Council represents the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities across more than 50 alumni and graduate chapters throughout the New York City area.
In addition to his service, Metellus has built a successful career spanning more than 20 years in information technology. He currently serves as a Project Manager and Senior Business Analyst at Centrilogic, leading initiatives that drive innovation and measurable results. His expertise is supported by more than ten professional certifications and academic credentials in leadership, project management, religion, and technology.
Committed to service beyond his professional and fraternal roles, Metellus remains actively engaged in community outreach. His work includes partnerships with the Center for Hope and Safety, the Youth Partnership of Bergen County, the Boy Scouts, the March of Dimes, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
A published poet and writer, Metellus also serves as chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in Frederick, Md., an appointment made by the mayor. He is deeply involved in Christian education, mentors young adults, and serves as a minister in various churches. He is devoted to his family and is married to Esther Slack-Metellus; together, they have two children, Jeremiah and Janae.
As he prepares to address the Class of 2026, Metellus brings a legacy of service, principled leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence—qualities sure to inspire graduates as they begin their journeys beyond York College.
*Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, founded in 1906 by seven Black men, collectively known as the Seven Jewels,” at Cornell University “to foster brotherhood among Black students. Famous members over the past 120 years include Olympic legend Jesse Owens, the late actor Paul Robeson, Supreme Court Judge Thurgood Marshall, the late Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mar 26, 2026 4:55 PM