Every great journey starts with a meaningful connection. At Avon Old Farms, we believe that the path from potential to achievement is best traveled with guidance, and our annual Mentorship Program is designed to offer exactly that. In just 12 weeks, mentors and mentees embark on a dynamic journey together, forming connections that bridge generations and spark transformation. 

This program is a structured, intentional experience designed to guide, support, and challenge participants to grow personally and professionally. From the very start of Avon’s Mentorship Program, mentors and mentees are equipped with resources to lay a solid foundation for success. Both are guided through clear onboarding steps and supported by a comprehensive guidebook, instructional videos, and access to the AOF Alumni Network’s scheduling and video chat tools. Our platform provides resources specific to both the mentor and the mentee, guiding them through six planned meeting agendas.

While the latest program just began this month for more alumni and we don’t have the results of the most recent pairings yet, we did catch up with a pair who completed the program in 2025: Mentor Brian Maitland ’80, P’18 and mentee Patrick Mella ’22. Here’s what they had to say:

Mentor Brian Maitland ’80, P’18

Brian Maitland ’80, P’18 says he was originally introduced to the idea of alumni mentorship by Chase Donaldson, Class of 1968. “I always observed Chase sharing his experiences with students and alumni while attending Avon events. He spoke fondly of the interactions, and I could tell that these interactions were fun and rewarding for both parties.” While keeping things fun is always a plus, Brian also recognized how a formal mentorship program would be a great resource to young alumni as they get pulled in different directions by colleges and careers. He believes that deepening your ties to the Brotherhood is a great way to stay steady during times of change in your life.

During his weeks mentoring Patrick, Brian recalls many memorable and personal conversations. “One of the most memorable to me was on a Thursday night when we had our regularly scheduled video meeting. I saw my mentee’s roommates in the background getting ready to leave. It immediately brought me back to college life. My mentee has a busy and exciting schedule, full of studies, activities, friends, and fun, and he was investing his time in our conversations. I could remember the feeling of being so young and trying to tackle the world.”

As the person sitting in the ‘mentor’ seat, Brian shares that the program helped him to appreciate his role in identifying and developing employees who he believes could benefit from his guidance, whether they report to him or not. It was also an important time of self-reflection. “The experience pushed me to reflect on my own journey – my choices, setbacks, and successes – and express them in a way that was meaningful to someone else. Throughout the mentorship, I became more self-aware and grateful for the experiences that shaped me and the people who supported me.”

A major part of what I tried to accomplish throughout our time together was to help him transition from being an actor in his life to being the director – in other words, to take an active role in managing his life. I was surprised by the fact that this young adult truly enjoyed having an objective adult to bounce ideas and concerns off of while providing a judgment-free zone. Seeing my mentee grow in confidence and independence was deeply rewarding.

Mentee Patrick Mella ’22 

Patric Mella ’22 was a recent college graduate when he encountered the alumni mentorship program. He knew it would be beneficial to build connections with someone in his industry of interest. “Additionally, I felt an Avon graduate would be the perfect person to understand who I am and what I'm looking for. A man of Avon would ultimately be the best mentor.”

When Patrick was paired with Brian, he says what stood out the most was his dedication to helping him. “It became a weekly talk, above and beyond what the program supported, and we still continue to talk to this day. He is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful and is always willing to answer any questions I’ve had. One thing Brian taught me is that finding a job is a job within itself. He showed me that I needed to work just as hard to earn an offer as I did in school or in my career.”

Perhaps even more meaningful was some industry knowledge Patrick gained from their talks, sharing that Brian helped tremendously with expelling ignorance about what life after Avon and college is, teaching him the ins and outs of the business world.

“In all, I was surprised how deep of a relationship we forged. Our conversations weren’t just about career decisions and industry insights. We walked about everyday life issues too, and that really solidified my beliefs that the Avon Brotherhood is a lifelong endeavor and Avonian men are always willing to help one another.”

Even after the formal program ended, Brian and Patrick have remained in touch, and agree it’s likely this bond will last. Brian hopes he can continue to be a resource for him as he navigates some of the decisions that he will face as he starts his career. 

“The role of a mentor is not a heavy lift,” shared Brian. “We know the benefits, but think we don’t have the time. Initially, I had these same thoughts. I thought there would be enough mentors, and the school didn’t need me. There are never enough mentors! I encourage every alum to step up, as there is always a boy in need of some guidance.” In time, Patrick says he’d love to be a mentor to pass along his own insights to the next generation of Avonians. 

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