Seattle Music Artist Wanz Graduates from Central Washington University

Wanz went from poppin' tags to Pomp and Circumstance!

Congratulations, Wanz! Seattle artist Michael "Wanz" Wansley graduated from Central Washington University in Ellensburg this weekend.

Wanz, now 56, skyrocketed to fame in 2012 with the hit song "Thrift Shop," released by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.

In a Facebook post, the university says Wanz earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music. They used a quote from the rapper to mark his accomplishment: "Never give up, finish what you start, and you’ll never have regret weighing down your heart."

Wanz says he was "blessed and honored" to sing the national anthem at CWU's graduation. He dedicated his degree to "Mom, Dad, and LarryJ, gone but always with me. Sharing this with my sis as well. Long time comin!!"

This one’s for #Mom #Dad and #LarryJ gone but always with me. Sharing this with my sis as well. Long time comin!! #nevergiveup #thelearningneverstops #cwugrad #lakeslancer #myfathersson

A post shared by Wanz (@teewanz) on Jun 9, 2018 at 1:12pm PDT

The Grammy winner returned to his job as a software tester after a 'surreal' year on tour with Macklemore. Wanz remains an active member of the Seattle community and used his battle with cancer as a wake-up call to African American men.

Watch the full interview online at King5 News.

Learn more about Wanz and his experience at Central in this Alumni article "CWU Alumni and Grammy Award Winner Wanz Making it Official in 2018 Graduation."