Dr. Mary Brendtro's nursing career spans over 57 years. Dr. Brendtro served as a nursing faculty and later a department chair at Augustana University and now is a faculty emeriti. Dr. Brendtro has been heavily involved in the South Dakota Nurses Association through the years with significant involvement in the South Dakota Nurses Foundation. Dr. Brendtro was a founding member of the South Dakota Nurses Foundation board and has served continuously as the vice president and on several committees since its creation in 1999.

The following comments were taken from her nomination: A colleague wrote “Mary was integral to the many rounds of national Grant funding to support the nursing department's graduate programming. She helped to initiate partnerships with several nursing programs in Norway and led the department with grace and professionalism." Another colleague wrote “In service to South Dakota Nurses Foundation and the profession of nursing, Dr. Brendtro has distinguished herself by using her expert knowledge of nursing education, research, and public health to promote a positive image of nursing through South Dakota. She is committed to strengthening the impact nurses can have on the health of populations and understands how to leverage foundation resources to promote nursing through its scholarship and grant programs. Mary has been a visionary in creating separate dedicated funds in the areas of research and community service which will have an enduring influence on the profession and the health of people in South Dakota and surrounding region. She has truly been a transformational leader in launching South Dakota Nurses Foundation and supporting its long-term growth." Additionally, another colleague wrote, “While Mary’s gifts are many, it has been her affirmation of others, insightful knowledge, and life of generosity that have inspired me the most. My gratitude for her and her mentorship, friendship, and continued encouragement is unbounded.”