In one of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Rhode Island, Richard J. Harrington, former president and CEO of The Thomson Corp., and his wife, Jean, have announced plans to give $5 million to expand the university’s new School of Communication and Media.

The school, which was established last year, would be renamed The Harrington School of Communication and Media if the R.I. Board of Governors for Higher Education approves the new name at its May 11 meeting.