Memories were relived, laughter was shared and tears were shed Friday as friends, family, colleagues and students gathered at a special celebration in memory of Allan Hinderstein’s life. Hinderstein, who worked as a special internal media technology consultant at Sacramento State, died on June 3 at the age of 69.

Hinderstein was affiliated with Sac State for over 25 years. During his time, he impacted the lives of numerous students, faculty and staff members.

According to Academic Technology and Creative Services, “Hinderstein was particularly involved with Sacramento State’s Distance Education program and believed in using education technology as one of several tools for enhancing teaching and learning.”

Speakers of the memorial service included close family members and friends of Hinderstein. Rina H. Reynolds, Barry Hinderstein, Madalynne Hinderstein, Spencer Freund and Paula Gardner were among those who attended.

“[Allan Hinderstein] was a good, honest, helpful human being. His sole purpose in life was to please anyone he associated himself or worked with,” said Freund, one of Hinderstein’s close friends.

Gardner, professor of Special Education, Rehabilitation, School Psychology and Deaf Studies, shared a collaboration of several stories from various other professors as well as her own experiences.

“I’m so happy to see all the lives that he’s touched,” she said.

Reynolds, daughter of Hinderstein, made an announcement at the conclusion of the ceremony about an award that was made possible with the help of Hinderstein’s family and friends.

“The Hinderstein-Freund Award for Excellence in Service to Distributed Education has been established to recognize more than 25 years of individual and shared accomplishments by Allan Hinderstein and Spencer Freund,” she said.

The award will “[strive] to acknowledge and reward those individuals who embody the spirit and energy of Allan Hinderstein and Spencer Freund in their sustained quest for excellence.”

Princess Garnace can be reached at [email protected].