Bradley University President JoAnn Glasser says overall this year the university is seeing increases in all four minority groups, African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American.
Glasser says student diversity could be jeopardized if funding from the Monetary Award Program is not restored for the Spring semester.
News 25's Denise Jackson reports.

Bradley University senior Nicole Carter says she chose Bradley because the university provided her with more financial assistance than the University of Illinois.
During a rally on campus Thursday Carter told Governor Pat Quinn without the Monetary Award Program grant, finishing next semester will be difficult.

"I have no way to make up that money. I have no way to fill that financial void. I don't have anywhere to turn, so I turn to you Governor Quinn and legislators in Springfield. Please help me out," Carter said .

Carter was just one of several Bradley University Students who made a plea to the governor to restore about 200 million dollars in M.A.P. funding.

"In today's economy a more skilled workforce and a more educated population can only help," said Bradley Student Body President Kyle Malinowski.

Bradley President JoAnn Glasser says many of the university's nearly 15 hundred (1451) M.A.P recipients are first generation college students from diverse backgrounds.
Glasser says that could change if three–point–four million dollars is not provided to students for the Spring semester.

Senior Jennifer Durham says she was able to obtain a summer internship in Washington D–C because of her affiliation with the university.

"Bradley has offered me challenging academic courses, internship opportunities and involvement in a variety of student organizations," Durham said.

Governor Quinn told the group he hopes the legislature will have a solution to the problem soon.

"I'm open minded on anything that can work. I think we have to have a good outcome," Quinn said.

Some revenue generating options legislators are considering include a cigarette tax and an amnesty tax for delinquent tax payers.
Bradley Students will be among hundreds expected to gather at a rally in Springfield next Thursday.