AMES, Iowa – The nationally-ranked Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University aims to sustainably advance agriculture, industry and living systems. This vision aligns well with Larry and Bunita “Bunny” Buss’ focus on sustainability and enhancing soil health, making it fitting for the couple to establish the Larry and Bunita Buss Department Chair in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
Amy Kaleita, professor and chair in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), was presented the inaugural named chair position during a medallion ceremony Jan. 8 in the Sukup Atrium of the Biorenewables Complex on Iowa State’s campus. The position was established by Larry (’68 agricultural engineering) and Bunny Buss to support the department’s strategic initiatives and provide special funds for such things as new faculty positions, new equipment and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
“I am joined by Dean Robison and Dean Easterling in expressing our deep appreciation to Larry and Bunny Buss for their generous gift to establish this endowed chair position, recognizing the excellent leadership of Dr. Amy Kaleita,” said President Wendy Wintersteen. “Their support will help ensure the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering remains a world-class program, equipping our students to innovate and create engineering solutions to current and future agricultural challenges.”
The department’s undergraduate and graduate programs consistently rank among the top programs nationwide, according to the U.S. News & World Report. In 2024, ABE’s undergraduate program ranked No. 1, and the graduate program ranked No. 2. Students who graduate from the department are prepared to enter careers related to agricultural and biosystems engineering and industrial and agricultural systems technology.
Housed within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering, ABE researchers collaborate on innovative research projects to improve air and water quality, promote renewable energy sources, and develop alternative production systems. The department is among the top in the nation for research and development spending among similar departments at other public universities.
“It’s an honor to be named the inaugural Buss Chair because I’m so proud to represent the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and to be part of the research, education, and extension missions happening in this department every day,” Kaleita said. “The support from Larry and Bunny Buss will help us to continue to strengthen that mission and serve our students and other stakeholders.”
Kaleita received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Penn State. She has a master’s degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in hydrology and a doctoral degree in agricultural engineering, both from the University of Illinois.
About Larry and Bunny Buss
Larry and Bunny Buss both grew up on farms in Iowa. After Larry earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Iowa State, the couple moved to California for a couple of years where Larry worked on nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy.
Missing their rural Iowa roots, the couple moved back to Iowa, buying and settling on land in the western part of the state near Logan. Over the years, the couple has built their large corn and soybean farming operation from the ground up.
Larry retired in 2011 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he had become known nationally and internationally for his expertise in flood risk reduction and flood plain management.
Larry and Bunny have given back in many ways to Iowa State. In addition to this endowed chair position, their support of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering has resulted in two spaces in Elings and Sukup Hall being named after them. They also financially support Larry’s fraternity, Theta Chi.
Contacts
Amy Kaleita, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 515-294-5167, kaleita@iastate.edu
Sarah Roelfs, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Development Office, 515-294-1031, sroelfs@foundation.iastate.edu
Whitney Baxter, Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications, 515-294-2314, wjsager@iastate.edu