On May 9, 2018, a new center dedicated to research on longevity and healthy aging was established at the University of Southern California (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology with a $20 million gift from Mei-Lee Ney. The donation, creating the Ney Center for Healthspan Science, was the largest in the school’s 43-year history.

A longtime supporter of the school, Ney is a member of its board of councilors and previously funded an endowed scholarship for USC gerontology students. In 2017, she was awarded the Dean’s Medallion, the school’s highest honor, in recognition of her contributions.