The Mark Hellinger Award was instituted in 1960 through the inspiration and under the leadership of Mr. Jim Bishop, author, columnist and protege-biographer of Mr. Hellinger. Mr. Bishop's specific purpose is to further the course of American Journalism by commemorating Hellinger's well-known interest in aiding others professionally. It was this characteristic trait of lending a helping hand to those most in need of vocational and financial assistance that impelled Mr. Bishop to initiate an award that would similarly assist a graduating senior in journalism at St. Bonaventure University.