The New England Region Alumni Association began with informal gatherings of dedicated alumni and soon led to groups attending regional events and conferences. They began to see a need for an organized alumni association for the large region, which covers six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The group developed its mission statement, “…to support the people, programs, and priorities of the New England Region of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.” And, on March 6, 2005, the New England Regional Alumni Association was officially formed.

OnMarch 6, 2005, following the New England Regional Convention at Manchester Community College in Connecticut, what was once a possibility became a reality. Forty-five alumni with their roots firmly planted in New England signed the charter binding them together as the New England Region Alumni Association, or NERA. Though some now live outside the New England area, they will always be valued members of the association.