Born in Corpus Christi Texas, Mary Gwen attended an all girl’s Catholic school, and she thought nothing of applying and being accepted to Stanford University. Throughout her life she never considered gender to be an obstacle that affected her choices or opportunities.
After earning a BA in Romance Languages and Spanish American Culture, Mary Gwen returned home and married Navy pilot, Gerry Brummitt in 1954. Navy life introduced her to travel and adaptability. As a mother of four, Mary Gwen was inspired to focus her volunteer efforts in areas that complimented her priority as a mother and wife of a Naval Officer. She managed to find the time to work as a teacher’s aide, volunteer at a Home for the Blind and the Art Museum, and participate in Officer Wives events.
Mary Gwen and her family settled in Coronado in 1967. As her children were leaving for college Mary Gwen’s volunteerism and public service took on the dimension of a full time job. She served on the Coronado School Board for six years. Two months after her tenure on the Coronado School Board, she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees at Southwestern College, a position that lasted nine years. Typical of Mary Gwen, she was unaware of her landmark status as the first woman to serve on the Board. At the same time that Mary Gwen was serving on the School Board, she became a founding board member of Uplift, a volunteer organization helping students and those experiencing homelessness. The purpose of Uplift was the same as Soroptimist – to help transform lives through education. Among the honors Mary Gwen has received are the 2009 Faith Award from the Coronado Human Relations Commission and the California Legislative Assembly Certificate of Recognition. The County of San Diego was so impressed with her contributions, that they declared a day Mary Gwen Brummitt Day. Her circumspect nature and intelligence proved invaluable when she served as Commissioner on the San Diego Civil Service Commission from 1993-2003 where she held hearings for employees with grievances.
Soroptimist International of Coronado is proud to recognize Mary Gwen’s contributions to improving the lives of others through education.