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When Linda Brady is officially installed as UNCG’s chancellor Tuesday, she’ll be the school’s 10th leader in 117 years.

A chancellor’s installation ceremony is usually a long, lavish affair — but those in attendance Tuesday might notice a certain lack of bells and whistles.

“I’m told that the previous installation, 14 years ago, cost around $100,000,” Brady said. “We’re spending about $22,000.”

With the ongoing recession, layoffs and budget cuts across the UNC system, Brady said she asked UNC President Erskine Bowles if the campus could do without the festivities.

Brady said Bowles thought the ceremony was important for the school, so they’ve instead cut back where they can.

Among the thrifty measures:

* Rather than buying a cake, the campus cafeteria will be making one instead of lunchtime desserts.

* The Student Government Association is handing out daisy seeds, the school’s flower, instead of commemorative mugs or T-shirts.

* A buffet luncheon for 1,600 has been changed to punch and light desserts.

“We’re trying to do it the right way and also be sensitive to what’s going on,” Brady said.

What will make the event special has nothing to do with the trimmings, she said. The important part is the tradition.

Former Chancellors Patty Sullivan and William Moran will be serving as honorary faculty marshals,” Brady said. “It’s my first one of these, and I really feel like I’m part of a great tradition.”

Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com