The late, Virgil E. Collins, was born in Akron on February 24, 1948. He attended Akron Public Schools, graduating from Buchtel High School, and later, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The University of Akron’s Cutler Program (Honors College).

In 1970, Virgil toured as a drummer for Staxx recording artists The Emotions, Staple Singers and Isaac Hayes. After he retired from touring, he married Michele Quander and fathered their son, Devon.

Mr. Collin’s career spanned a diverse group of regional companies and organizations. He was once an instructor for the apprenticeship training program at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company; a Senior Training Specialist for the Cleveland Clinic; and Director of Human Resource Development for Summa Health System. Virgil worked in two capacities for the City of Akron. He was first, Manager of Training and Equal Opportunity; and in 1999 he was appointed Personnel Director.

Virgil Collins retired in early 2005 because of illness and passed away in May of that year.