Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker and Toi Salter to Receive Honorary Degrees at ’s 2026 Commencement

American rapper and community activist Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker [left] and Chicago business leader Toi Salter [right] will receive honorary Doctor of Arts degrees at ’s 2026 Commencement. American rapper and community activist Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker [left] and Chicago business leader Toi Salter [right] will receive honorary Doctor of Arts degrees at ’s 2026 Commencement.
Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker and Toi Salter will receive honorary Doctor of Arts degrees at ’s 2026 Commencement.

will award honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to hip-hop icon and entertainment personality Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker and Chicago-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Toi Salter at its on May 17, 2026, at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. 

Both honorees will be recognized for careers that have shaped their respective fields and expanded the cultural and civic impact of entertainment and community leadership. They will address graduates, families, faculty, and guests during the ceremonies. 

’s tradition of honoring influential voices in the arts, business, and media continues this year with two leaders whose work reflects lasting contributions to storytelling, culture, and community impact. 

“Yolanda Whitaker and Toi Salter are leaders whose work is rooted in voice, influence, and stewardship,” says Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, President and CEO, . “Their ability to shape culture, build opportunity, and inspire others reflects the kind of creative leadership we celebrate at .” 

“Yolanda ‘Yo-Yo’ Whitaker and Toi Salter exemplify the kind of leadership and creative influence we strive to cultivate in our graduates,” says Suzanne McBride, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President and Professor of Journalism. “It’s an honor to recognize their enduring impact, and I look forward to hearing how they’ll inspire the Class of 2026.” 

Yolanda Whitaker, known professionally as Yo-Yo, emerged as a leading voice in West Coast hip-hop in the early 1990s. A protégé of Ice Cube, she gained widespread recognition with her breakout single "You Can't Play with My Yo-Yo," which challenged gender dynamics in hip-hop while amplifying women’s perspectives. Over her career, she has released multiple albums and appeared in film and television, including "Boyz n the Hood" and "Martin." Today, she continues entertaining audiences on the second season of AspireTV’s “Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo" cooking show. 

Beyond her work as a performer, Whitaker has focused on education and community impact. She founded the Yo-Yo School of Hip-Hop, an initiative designed to engage students through hip-hop–based learning and has remained an advocate for youth development and representation in the arts. 

“Wow, I’m honored, truly! sees creativity, community, and real impact, and that’s what I live for,” says Whitaker. “I can’t wait to celebrate with the grads, share some stories, and remind them that artistry and purpose go hand in hand.” 

Toi Salter is the CEO of Salter Financial Management and a prominent figure in Chicago’s business and philanthropic communities. A wealth and business manager whose clients include NBA All-Stars, Salter has built a career defined by both financial leadership and civic engagement. 

She is widely recognized for her work supporting educational access and advancing opportunities for students. Through her leadership with UNCF Chicago, Salter has driven transformative fundraising efforts which have collectively raised more than $3 million for UNCF Chicago. Salter has also helped raise more than $7 million chairing the Chicago Urban League gala over the past two years. 

Her leadership extends across Chicago’s civic landscape, and her philanthropic efforts throughout the community earned Salter the Chicago Defender’s ‘Woman of the Year’ honor.

Salter says, “Access to education changes everything. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when students are given the resources and support to succeed, and I’m grateful to be recognized by for work that is so close to my heart.” 

Together, Whitaker and Salter embody the creativity, leadership, and commitment to community that define ’s mission and the spirit of its graduating class.  

Commencement Information 
The 2026 Commencement will include two ceremonies on Sunday, May 17, at Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Avenue. will confer undergraduate and graduate degrees on more than 1,000 students, marking a celebration of creative achievement across disciplines. 

The morning ceremony (11 a.m.) will celebrate graduates from the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, the School of Communication and Culture, the School of Film and Television, and the School of Fashion. 

The afternoon ceremony (4:30 p.m.) will honor graduates from the School of Theatre and Dance, the School of Audio and Music, the School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. 

Recent News